Manchester United are beginning to ramp up preparations for this summer’s pre-season tour which kicks off against Leeds in Stockholm, Sweden.
It is a return to Scandinavia this weekend, for what has almost become a yearly Manchester United tradition.
After two full weeks on the training pitch at Carrington, it is time for Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils to show what they have been working on and hopefully this will inspire hope and confidence into a United fanbase lacking this right now.
Amorim has finally had sustained time on the training pitch, which should be beneficial in getting his message across, after not having the time to do so last season.
In addition, there have been plenty of positives over the two weeks in training to hold onto as reasons to be confident.
Matheus Cunha has been impressive, while youngsters such as Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato seem to be seamlessly integrating to the first-team.
But there is another talented youngster that the club are pushing into a prominent position.
Manchester United hand Jack Fletcher new squad number
This summer has already seen several squad number changes for young talents.
Lacey, Mantato and Reece Munro all upgraded, while to a greater extent, Chido Obi and Tyler Fredricson’s numbers are now in the 30s.
This is a sign of the club being high on a youngster, showcasing intent for them to be part of the first team and now Jack Fletcher has joined that list.
On the official club website, United have published the ‘inside story‘ from week two of pre-season, in which Fletcher featured under Amorim.
The article pointed out that Fletcher had been very composed in training, scoring one excellent goal during training drills.
Additionally, it was confirmed that Fletcher has seen his squad number move from 57 to 38, which is an upgrade similar to Obi and Fredricson, implying that he is being viewed as an option by Amorim next season.
Fletcher has long been compared with Cole Palmer by teammates and Amorim could certainly use his talents in the 3-4-2-1 system which the 18-year-old could easily slot into as a number 10.
Jack Fletcher deserves opportunity to step up under Ruben Amorim
Fletcher joined United at the age of 16 from Man City and quickly made himself among the best prospects at the club. Erik ten Hag thought Fletcher had huge potential and there is no doubting that he is simply too good to be in the academy.
Due to this, he should be given a substantial opportunity by Amorim this summer, with more than just cameos to prove he deserves and is ready to have a first-team role.
If not, then Ineos have a big decision to make, with Fletcher too good for the academy it wouldn’t be beneficial to have him playing there, so should instead be considered for a loan.
Fletcher would surely attract interest in League One his performances against Barnsley last season.
Whatever happens next season, Fletcher needs to be challenged, hopefully this comes in the form of being part of Amorim’s squad in a similar manner to Obi.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/ab7yxJO