“They are in great shape because of their hard work in training and their commitment and desire are evident. Their intensity has been impressive, and they have put in significant effort throughout pre-season.”
“Overall, I was pleased with our performance. We were excellent both with and without the ball, asserting our dominance. While we secured a 1-0 victory, the scoreline could have reflected a greater margin. We maintained around 70-75% possession and created multiple scoring opportunities, but we need to be better at converting those chances. That’s a lesson we must learn.”
‘ALLOW THEM TO GROW’
Fletcher emphasized the importance of giving the young players on the Under-18s team the time and space they need to develop without facing undue scrutiny or pressure from fans and outsiders.
In Saturday’s match against Everton, three young players participated, stepping up an age group or two—an experience Fletcher recalls from his own youth.
“It’s crucial that we allow them to mature,” he stated.
“They have a lot to learn, but they are eager and enthusiastic. They simply love playing football and absorb information well. We aim to provide them with a platform to showcase their skills.”
“It’s also important to keep their age in mind. We certainly don’t want them to rush their development. They should be allowed to grow naturally. It can be challenging when they are in the spotlight, but that’s part of modern football. We don’t want to stifle anyone’s progress; if they perform well, they will be rewarded. Their inclusion is well-deserved as they’ve proven they can compete and fight at this level.”
“We believe in diverse experiences, so it’s essential they play at their appropriate age level while also being challenged at higher levels to help them adapt.”
ENNIS LEADS UNDER-21s TO VICTORY
Ethan Ennis scored a powerful goal to set United on the right path, leading to a 1-0 victory in Premier League 2 at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.
