Jack Fletcher became the 255th Manchester United academy graduate on Sunday evening when he was a 73rd-minute substitute at Villa Park.
After Ruben Amorim’s week leading up to this game had comprised mainly criticisms over his lack of academy usage, the Portuguese head coach made a point against Aston Villa, debuting two talents.
Jack Fletcher was first, becoming 255 in the record books for the club, closely followed by Shea Lacey, who was Manchester United’s 256th academy graduate.
HAS Ruben Amorim proved concerns over his academy usage wrong after debuting Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey?🤔
These were his fourth and fifth academy debutants in 13 months…
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It was a tough debut for anyone, let alone two youngsters, but they both held their own, looking like they belonged in the game.
Fletcher impressed United fans, and now that the dust has settled from the match, he has sent a message reacting to his debut.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty ImagesJack Fletcher sends message after Manchester United debut
Jack Fletcher’s dad, Darren Fletcher, is a five-time Premier League champion and currently manages the U18s, while his twin brother is a regular for the U21s.
After following in his dad’s footsteps, which was no doubt a monumental day for his whole family, the 18-year-old has taken to Instagram with a message.
“Proud to have made my Premier League debut for @manutd. A disappointing result, but a memory that will stay with me and my family forever.”
WHO is Manchester United’s best ever academy graduate?🔥
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Among the responses, interestingly, was the man who was world-class on Sunday to single-handedly help Villa beat United, Morgan Rogers.
Rogers wrote, “Proud of you”, with a heart emoji.
The pair would have been a couple of years apart in the Manchester City academy, but they clearly have a good relationship.
This adds fuel to Rogers’ compliments about United after the game, as fans wonder if he’s a future Red Devil.
Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire also send messages to Fletcher
Rogers wasn’t the only responder to this message from Fletcher, with many of the teenagers’ teammates from across multiple levels.
Matheus Cunha commented with a flaming heart and a finger pointing emoji.Harry Maguire added, “Well deserved mate” with a heart.Shea Lacey wrote, “Deserve it brother”, with a heart.Gabriele Biancheri commented, “Top Fletch”, with two clapping emojis.Joshua Zirkzee commented, “Jack”, with a thumbs up and fist emoji.Diogo Dalot added some applause emojis.Jaydan Kamason wrote, “proud”, with a heart.Tyler Fredricson said, “Congrats brother”.
Countless more academy players commented emojis with lots of hearts, showing the love within the academy ranks for their peers.
Seeing their academy teammates like Fletcher’s debut will inspire the rest of the youth to work even harder, showing that it is attainable.
Amorim has done himself a lot of favours by giving these minutes out, and every academy player will now be desperate to prove they deserve to be next.
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