Fletcher in talks over Man Utd U18 coaching role

Darren Fletcher (left) talks to Manchester United's 18-year-old defender Harry Amass

Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is in talks to take over as the club's Under-18 coach.

Previous U18s coach Adam Lawrence left United at the end of the season, part of a major summer upheaval at youth level that also includes academy chief Nick Cox taking a job at Everton as technical director.

United feel former Scotland international Fletcher, 41, will provide continuity as the search for Cox's successor continues.

Fletcher initially returned to Old Trafford in a non-playing role during Ed Woodward's time as chief executive.

He was appointed as technical director in 2021 but moved roles following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as minority shareholder, when Jason Wilcox took the job after leaving Southampton.

He was a first-team coach under Erik ten Hag and, in more recent times, has been a link between the first-team and academy and travelled to Malaysia and Hong Kong at the end of the season, when a number of young players were selected.

Fletcher has long-term management ambitions of his own and this would be a positive first step.

He has previously been reluctant to take on an academy role as his twin sons Tyler and Jack were both excelling as players.

However, they have now moved out of the Under-18 age group, which leaves Fletcher to take the job if he wants.

It is understood he will work closely with Travis Binnion, United's Under-21 lead coach.