Why Jack Fletcher is in Man United squad vs Brentford as Erik ten Hag confirms injury blow

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said he has been forced to include youngster Jack Fletcher on the bench for the visit of Brentford because of the number of midfield injuries United are currently dealing with.

The 17-year-old, who is the son of former United player Darren, was a surprise inclusion in the matchday squad for the visit of the Bees. He had never previously been included in a first-team matchday squad.

Fletcher, who has been a regular fixture for the Under-21s so far this season, has been named on the bench alongside fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

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United had been struggling with injury issues in the build-up to Saturday's game, losing Kobbie Mainoo for a few weeks. He has joined Mason Mount on the sidelines.

Explaining why Fletcher had made it into the matchday squad, Ten Hag also confirmed that fellow youngster Toby Collyer had suffered an injury, but he stopped short of revealing the extent of the former Brighton & Hove Albion academy player's injury.

Ten Hag told MUTV: "We have injuries, especially in the midfield department. Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and also new faces like Toby Collyer, who has picked up an injury.

"He [Fletcher] was with us, was progressing very well and he is next in the row. Not only this, he is also developing very well."