- Tyler Fletcher made Manchester United debut vs Tottenham
- The son of Darren Fletcher captained Scotland U18s
- Youngster praised Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro
The Fletcher name carries serious weight at Manchester United. Darren Fletcher made over 340 appearances for the club and won five Premier League titles. Now his sons are writing their own chapter.
The Fletchers have both made their senior debuts for the Reds this season, becoming the first twins to follow in their father’s footsteps by playing in the English top flight. But while the brothers share the same bloodline, their international loyalties are pulling them in opposite directions.
Tyler has made his position crystal clear. The 19-year-old midfielder, who was an unused substitute for Scotland against the Czechs in Dundee last Friday, has his sights set firmly on the dark blue jersey. And he isn’t shy about the goal that drives him.
Tyler Fletcher Chasing Dad’s Scotland Record
Darren Fletcher won 80 caps for Scotland, a remarkable achievement for a player whose career was interrupted by injuries. That number is now the target for his son (via Scottish Sun):
“I want to get as many caps as I can for Scotland. They are the team I want to play for. It will always be Scotland over England for me. The aim for me is to have a career like my dad and beat his cap tally.”
Tyler admitted the recent Under-21 call-up was a proud moment for the family:
“My dad loves seeing me play for Scotland. He’s been the biggest influence in my life and there’s no better person I could ask for advice. I look up to him. If I could even do half of what he did in his career, I’d be thrilled.”
Tyler’s twin, Jack, has gone the other way. Both brothers represented Scotland at the youth level before Jack committed to England. The pair even faced each other in November during an Under-19 international, with Jack scoring in England’s 4-0 win.
The Scot revealed there were no hard feelings but family banter:
“He was giving me some banter and stick after the game, but he said he didn’t want to celebrate too much because dad was watching! Dad is fine with Jack’s decision. He just wants him to do well and he’s in a good place. Playing for England is an unbelievable achievement for him, but hopefully one day he’s back with us!”
Tyler Fletcher has earned nine caps for Scotland’s U19s and is on course to eventually break into the senior team. He’ll be hoping that more game time for United at the senior level helps him represent the Tartan Army.
Learning From Manchester United’s Best
For Tyler, the focus now is on continuing his development at Carrington. He made his Manchester United debut last month against Tottenham Hotspur, a moment that marked a big step in his professional career. With Michael Carrick currently in interim charge, the midfielder has had the chance to learn from some of the game’s most decorated players:
“Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been unbelievable with me. They keep giving me little pieces of advice. They help me after training too and speak to me and do a bit of shooting with me.”
The pathway at Manchester United looks promising for the teenager. Carrick, himself a former midfielder who knows a thing or two about longevity at the highest level, has already shown a willingness to trust young players.
Tyler Fletcher has made things clear. Scotland is his country. Darren Fletcher’s cap record is his target. And with the guidance of his father and United’s senior professionals, the 19-year-old believes he has a future ahead.
