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Tyler and Jack met as a pair during their elementary school days, both excellent distance runners as well as footballers.
Although they have drawn strength from each other’s presence as they have come through the ranks – initially at Manchester City before switching to United in 2023 – they are much more individuals, which goes beyond the beard Tyler has grown which has helped tell the difference between them.
United’s midfield at under-21 level this season has often been picked together, with Tyler more of a number six or eight. His brother plays slightly higher up the pitch.
Darren, capped 80 times for Scotland, but who never played in a major tournament, was clearly a key presence in shaping their respective careers. The two are repeatedly described as having similar characteristics to their father, including, simply, “being really good boys”.
However, Fletcher senior was also keen to ensure his boys progress beyond Under-18 level before agreeing to take the job this season to avoid a conflict of interest.
Those who know Tyler say he is a confident, driven young man, but equally low maintenance. “Polite and conscientious” is how he is described.
Physically, it is noted that he has settled down, which is important at an age where development is not complete and growth can occur.
Professional development has also been impressive.
Twelve months to the day before his international bow, Tyler was making the second of two brief appearances for United in the final game of their controversial post-season tour of Asia.
It says a lot about his assimilation into the senior ranks and his performance in his frequent call-ups to Carrick’s training sessions that Tyler was invited to the end-of-season squad dinner hosted by captain Bruno Fernandes after the Forest game.
United coaches feel that alongside his endurance and athletic ability, which they hope will improve over the months, Fletcher’s all-round game has improved significantly.
They believe his skills on the ball, vision and understanding of the game mean he will become more versatile as the year goes on.
Fletcher is slowly getting used to playing men’s football.
In the first half of the campaign, it was for the Under-21s at places like Brackley, Solihull and Tamworth in the National League Cup, or for Lincoln, Barnsley and Notts County in the EFL Trophy. An appearance with Shea Lacey at Brighton confirmed that Carrick, who has watched numerous Premier League 2 games in person, sees him as one of the academy players most ready to make the big move.
A week ago, Fletcher’s next step could be one of the youngsters expected to form the group’s main squad as Carrick travel to Helsinki for United’s first pre-season game against Wrexham on July 18, the day before the World Cup final, and travel to Rosenberg in Norway the following week.
Those plans may have to be scrapped. Fletcher may have other, even more pressing commitments in July.
“Best day of my life,” Fletcher described his first-team debut in February. That may have dropped his ranking to number two.
