Scotland veteran Kenny McLean is delighted with Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher, who will be keen to force his way into Michael Carrick’s plans.
2026 is turning out to be a spectacular year for the teenager. After making his senior MUFC debut, he earned a World Cup call-up, joining Scotland’s squad following Billy Gilmour’s injury.
The midfielder made his international debut against Curacao last week, and has already made a strong impression on the group.
McLean lauds Man Utd youngster Tyler Fletcher
While his twin brother Jack has been playing for England’s youth ranks, Tyler followed in the footsteps of his father, Darren Fletcher, by declaring for Scotland.
Interestingly, 34-year-0ld McLean has now played alongside father and son in the Scottish national team, and he only had words of praise for the promising Man Utd starlet.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. I said to the lads after his first session, ‘I can see something special in him,’ so I was glad he got on after the week he has had,” said the Norwich captain as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
“In my first couple of Scotland squads, I played with his dad. And, for me, in my first session, he [Darren Fletcher] stood out a mile. Fortunately for Scotland, his son is pretty similar.”
Can Tyler Fletcher affect Man Utd’s summer plans?
This season, Jack Fletcher made his senior Man Utd debut in December under Ruben Amorim’s command and went on to earn three appearances.
However, Jack faded from the scene following the managerial change, with Carrick preferring to rely on Tyler.
While his brother might be the more technical and attacking-minded of the two, Tyler is the more composed. He is capable of playing either as a No.6 or a No.8. So the question that begs itself is whether the young man can carve out a prominent role in next season’s squad, especially with so many vacancies opening up in midfield.
United have already parted ways with Casemiro, while Manuel Ugarte is on the transfer list. Kobbie Mainoo will be joined by Ederson, who will finalise his transfer from Atalanta, but a couple of spots remain unoccupied.
The management could be tempted to spend the remaining budget on one marquee signing like Aurelien Tchouameni or Elliot Anderson, and name Tyler Fletcher as the fourth midfielder.
Nevertheless, this remains a risky move, as the 19-year-old has very limited experience at the senior level. But with Man Utd set to play twice per week next season, Fletcher should be promoted and added to the squad as an extra option in addition to the four more established midfielders.
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