Darren Fletcher is back!
The former Manchester United midfielder has been coaching the club’s U16s to begin work on his coaching badges.
In a temporary coaching role to help his own development, Fletcher is back where his football career kicked off and we’re sure the youngsters are buzzing off having him around the club again.
The 36-year-old made 342 appearances for United over a 14-year spell before joining West Brom in 2015, but he has since retired and turned to the TV broadcast business doing punditry on football matches.
Fletcher has confirmed that he will be helping with the U16 side at United on a part-time basis.
Speaking to United’s official website, he said: “I think I needed that period to step away a little bit and took my time to come away and accept not being a player anymore, moving onto my coaching badges, and this is the early stages of doing it.
“I’m just getting my coaching badges done and being invited back into the club. I’ve got a bit of spare time in the evenings and I thought there’s nothing better than doing something at United and giving a bit back, working at the Academy.
“It’s a club that means a lot to me, so it ticks both boxes really. It allows me to get my coaching badges done and give a bit back to the Academy kids.”
Working in an environment Fletcher is familiar with will help with his own development as a coach, and on top of that the players will be able to gain first-hand knowledge of what’s required of them at the top level.
Fletcher won five league titles during his time as a player at Old Trafford and I’m sure he will share those experiences with the younger lads, who will be like sponges feeding on snippets of information like the hungry press.
He was also named as part of the 2009-2010 Premier League team of the year.
He added: “Do you know what? I’ve really enjoyed it. I started a few weeks before lockdown, and got a taste of it, but have been back involved for two or three weeks. I’m just loving in, the enthusiasm and the stage they’re at in their career.
“It’s a great place to be, in the evenings, I’m giving up my time and can see how much it means to them.
“I pass on some advice and small details on the game and they really try to take it on board and add it to their game. To see them doing it, and getting rewards from it, means a lot.”
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