Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on Saturday afternoon to cement their place in the top four in the Premier League.
Tyler Fletcher pictured on his Premier League debut for Manchester United(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher explained he was told to make as many passes as he could before making his debut in the 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Fletcher, who is the son of Darren and the twin brother of Jack, has been in and around the first team this season.
While his brother has made three appearances for the Reds this season, Fletcher has had to remain patient to get his own chance in the Premier League. With the game entering its final moments on Saturday, interim head coach Michael Carrick gave the youngster the opportunity for his first senior minutes as he replaced Kobbie Mainoo.
Reflecting on the experience at full time, Fletcher told MUTV: “It’s a mad day. I’m absolutely buzzing. The best day of my life, it’s a dream come true. I’ve just got to thank everyone for supporting me, throughout the way.
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“It’s an honour to have one of those [academy] numbers. Not many people do it. I’m grateful it’s happened. To get to go on the pitch and play at Old Trafford, it’s a special feeling.”
The debut came at the end of what was an exciting couple of days for the youngster as he discovered he would be part of the matchday squad. “I found out I was in the squad yesterday, after the session. I got told you will be with the first team, you’ll be on the bench. I was buzzing with that,” he explained.
“I was warming up in the last five minutes and five minutes got added on. I got the call and I was like: ‘No way is this happening’.
“I was told to go and enjoy it and make as many passes as you can, get as many touches as you can, and that’s what I did.” Fletcher’s big day rounded off a successful afternoon for United as they picked up their fourth victory in as many matches.
Just before the half hour mark, Spurs were reduced to ten men as Cristian Romero was sent off for a poor challenge on Casemiro. Less than ten minutes later, United made their man advantage count as a well-worked set-piece routine resulted in Bryan Mbeumo sweeping the ball home.
In the 81st minute, captain Bruno Fernandes sealed the three points with a smart finish in front of the Stretford End.
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