Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim has expressed delight after the debuts of Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey for the first team, Softfootball reports.
Both youngsters were introduced in the second half during the Match-Day 17 of the Premier League where Manchester United eventually lost 2-1 to Aston Villa courtesy a brace from Morgan Rogers while Matheus Cunha got the goal for the Red Devils.
Speaking after the encounter in an interview shared on the club’s official X handle. Amorim said:
Of course. They work really hard for that. Congratulations to all the coaches in our Academy. We are just trying to do everything at the same time, improving the team and trying to protect the kids, for them to play at the right moment. In this moment, we need the kids and they will grow up. I am really happy with them.
Jack Fletcher followed the footsteps of his father Darren, who served Manchester United under one of the greatest managers of all-time, Sir Alex Ferguson. He became the 255th homegrown first-teamer in the club’s history while Shea Lacey now number 256 and both were introduced by Amorim in the second half.
Manchester United celebrated both players via their official X handle. They posted:
Academy graduates 255 and 256.
Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3rYnW0zAWz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 21, 2025Interestingly, Darren Fletcher is currently the coach of the Under-18s at Manchester United while Jack’s twin brother Tyler plays regularly for the Under-21s.
Here is Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim talking about both players in an interview shared via the club’s official X handle. Watch video below.
Welcoming our most recent Academy graduates 👏 pic.twitter.com/9djMuYWPa5
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 22, 2025Meanwhile, Amorim has praised Bruno Fernaades for his leadership skills after he picked up a rare injury against Aston Villa and will now miss Manchester United’s next premier league match against in-form Newcastle United.
