Man Utd confirm new role for club legend as Ruben Amorim loses assistant

The official statement from the Red Devils on Fletcher's appointment read: "Manchester United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Darren Fletcher as lead coach of the Under-18s." The club further confirmed that the ex-United star has started his new role with immediate effect and has taken charge of the youth team's pre-season preparations which began with a training camp at the adidas global headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, and a game against Queens Park Rangers in a friendly at Carrington.

A Red Devils academy product, Fletcher began his professional career in 2003 at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson and went on to play until 2015. In his 12-year stint with the club, the midfielder won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, a Carabao Cup and a Champions League trophy.

Speaking to the club's official website, the 41-year-old said: "I am really excited to take on this new role and increase my responsibility to directly develop our young players. I’m looking forward to working with such a talented age-group; supporting them to reach their potential and preparing them to enjoy careers at the highest level possible."

Ruben Amorim's side will travel to the U.S. for the second part of their pre-season training later this month. They will play their first friendly match against Leeds United on July 19 in Stockholm.