Former club midfielder to take charge of U18s in major step toward management
Darren Fletcher is set to take his first major stride into management by taking charge of Manchester United’s U18s ahead of the new season.
Fletcher has spent the last three seasons working as part of the senior coaching staff, most recently under Ruben Amorim, and will now move into an independent role. He will succeed Adam Lawrence, who is stepping down as U18s head coach this summer after two years in the position.
The decision was made jointly by club football director Jason Wilcox and outgoing academy director Nick Cox, both of whom view Fletcher as the ideal figure to lead United’s next generation of prospects.
A product of United’s famed academy himself, the 41-year-old brings both his footballing and senior-level coaching experience to the position.
Fletcher is understood to have welcomed the opportunity, seeing the U18 job not only as a return to his roots but also as a boost towards his long-term ambition to manage at the top level.
The former Scotland international holds a UEFA A Licence and has been deeply involved in first-team operations at Carrington, regularly contributing to tactical sessions and serving as a link between Amorim’s coaching staff and the club’s technical analysts.
Fletcher’s promotion to a leading role within the academy comes as part of a wider reshaping of United’s football structure. Wilcox is keen to ensure a smooth path from the club’s youth setup to the senior team, and considers Fletcher’s understanding of the club’s culture and expectations as a major asset in doing that.
The appointment continues a recent trend at United of re-integrating former players into key roles on and off the pitch, with Johnny Evans also promoted to a staff role this summer after hanging up his boots.
Fletcher made 342 appearances for United during a decorated playing career that saw him win five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the 2008 Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson.
