Jack, son of club icon Darren Fletcher, keeps proud Man United tradition alive

New Delhi: Manchester United midfielder Jack Fletcher has replaced the injured Kobbie Mainoo in the squad for Saturday's Premier League game at Tottenham, which keeps the club's 88-year record of having an academy product in every matchday squad.

The 20-year-old Mainoo did not travel to London with Ruben Amorim's squad and is believed to have sustained a minor injury. England's youth international Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren, has travelled with Amorim's squad.

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Manchester United have featured at least one homegrown player in every single matchday squad since 1973. A remarkable run has now stretched to 4,332 consecutive matches.It's a record deeply tied to the club's identity and jack Fletcher's selection not only preserves history but also carries a sense of nostalgia for United fans.The 18-year-old is yet to make his debut for the Red Devils but was on the first team bench on a number of occasions last season.

Jack joined United back in 2023 from Manchester City's academy alongside his twin brother Tyler. The pair have impressed at youth level with Jack becoming a standout performer for the Under-21 side this season. His progress has also earned him a call-up to the England Under-19 squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers in Lithuania, where he could even face his brother, who represents Scotland’s Under-19s.

This weekend's inclusion highlights United's continued commitment to giving young players opportunities.Another academy graduate, Tom Heaton, is currently the third-choice goalkeeper, while Tyler Fredricson featured in the EFL Cup earlier this season.

United manager Amorim has also made it clear that he intends to uphold the club's traditions. “I won’t be the coach who breaks that record,” he reportedly said when asked about the academy’s importance. The presence of Jack Fletcher in the squad serves as a timely reminder that Manchester United’s proud youth legacy remains very much alive.