Manchester United talent scores twice ahead of huge Real Madrid fixture
Man United Under-21s fielded a strong team to claim an important 2-1 win against Leeds in the Premier League 2.
Jack Fletcher scored a brace.(Image: MUTV)
Jack Fletcher scored a brace as Manchester United Under-21s won 2-1 against Leeds in the Premier League 2 on Friday afternoon. The win means the U21s have climbed to the top of the table.
Fletcher got on the scoresheet twice in the first half to send United on their way to victory. His first goal was intended as a cross, but the second was well-taken after an impressive attacking sequence.
The youngster has been training with the first team this season. Fletcher made his senior debut against Aston Villa in the Premier League in December, and he made another two appearances from the bench in games against Newcastle and Wolves.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
The U21s will not win the Premier League 2 if they finish top of the division, as the league changed its format from the beginning of 2023/24 to include a play-off stage at the end of the campaign.
The top 16 teams in the Premier League 2 qualify for the elimination play-offs. For the play-offs, teams are drawn against each other based on their league positions. For example, the team finishing first will face the team that finished 16th.
GRAND NATIONAL 2026: Get your 48-page guide for just £3.99
Adam Lawrence named a strong team to face Leeds on Friday, with the likes of Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, Jack Moorhouse and Tyler Fredricson starting, suggesting a similar approach will be taken against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The U21s will take on Madrid in the Premier League International Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford. United hope a strong crowd attends the game, but tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Lawrence spoke to the Manchester Evening News ahead of Madrid’s visit and he was asked if Lacey, who is now seen as a first-team player, would be available for selection.
“Ah, I’d have to try and sweet-talk Michael,” Lawrence joked. “As a coach, you want to have Shea available for as many games as possible. But at the same time, what he’s doing with the first team at the moment is really, really good and beneficial for him/
“I think more importantly for next week, we’ll just be looking ahead to what the first-team involvement is and then look at which players will be available in the games.
“But again, that’s sort of like naturally done with Travis and the staff as well. But Michael has been really, really supportive, and he understands in terms of the marquee games for the academy and the ones that he and the club feel are really, really good to be involved in.
“They would obviously support us, but obviously not at the expense of what the first team are doing or their programme. Michael spoke to me last week. The message coming from him is obviously really good.”
Up to 70% off Man United kits and merch
Fanatics has slashed the price of Man United kits and merch with up to 70% off select items.