'Historically, This Club's Built Around...': Darren Fletcher Backs Manchester United Academy

Last Updated:January 10, 2026, 10:09 IST

Fletcher underscored the importance of the academy in the context of the club's success in the past and how it remains to be a deeply enshrined part of the club's ethos.

Darren Fletcher with Manchester United (X)

Manchester United caretaker Darren Fletcher defended the side’s academy, which has produced a humber of stars for the Red Devils over the years including Fletcher himself, after former coach Ruben Amorim had opined that the players from the famous Carrington had a sense of entitlement.

Fletcher, who has helmed the United U-18 side since July, underscored the importance of the academy in the context of the club’s success in the past and how it remains to be a deeply enshrined part of the club’s ethos.

ALSO READ| Endrick ‘To Fight For’ Brazil Spot After Switch To ‘Ideal’ Lyon

“Historically, this club’s built around the academy, we’ve got an amazing academy," Fletcher said.

United have the distinction of having an academy graduate in every single one of their macthday squads since the year 1937.

“Our record speaks for itself," the 42-year-old continued.

“I’m not going to stand here and say anything other than that. We’ve got an amazing record. I think it’s hard to beat in terms of the history of clubs around the world," the former midfielder said.

“I think we’ve got some amazing players, some amazing talents. I think what I see is a lot of hard-working, humble young players who aren’t perfect because they’re young and they’re learning and they’ve got a lot to do," he added.

ALSO READ| Brahim Diaz Joins Elusive List With Strike Against Cameroon! Becomes Just Fourth Player To…

United stand seventh in the league with 32 points from 21 games thus far this season and the Scot opined that the Red Devils need to find ways to get over the line during games.

“Director of football Jason Wilcox and Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada have given me full responsibility to take control of these two games, make my own decisions, lead the team, guide the team, prepare the team, and that’s what I’ve been doing," he said.

News sports football 'Historically, This Club's Built Around...': Darren Fletcher Backs Manchester United Academy

Read More