Tyler Fletcher reveals Michael Carrick message on ‘mad day’ of Man Utd debut | Football

Tyler Fletcher has revealed what Michael Carrick told him as he sent him on to make his Manchester United debut on a ‘mad day’ for the 18-year-old.

The midfielder, son of former United and Scotland star Darren, came on in stoppage time of the 2-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Red Devils continued their perfect run under interim boss Carrick, with four wins on the bounce following victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.

United are now fourth and just three points behind Aston Villa in third in the Premier League table as they bid for a return to Champions League football.

Fletcher hopped on the wave of momentum the Red Devils are building thanks to Carrick throwing him on to replace Kobbie Mainoo late in the game.

The Manchester United interim manager has been credited with freeing up his players and creating more attacking verve under his coaching and that tallies with the message he gave Fletcher as he stepped onto the pitch for his debut.

‘He just said enjoy it,’ Fletcher told MUTV. ‘Make the most of the moment. Go and get on the ball and do what you do, try to get as many touches as I can when I was on there, so I was trying to get little bounce passes, little short ones, just to get a few touches. That is what he said.

‘That’s the best moment of my career so far. I don’t think anything can top it. It’s a special moment for my family. I think my mum is here, my brother is here. My dad has got a game so he couldn’t make it.

‘It’s an unbelievable moment.’

He added: ‘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.’

Tyler’s twin brother Jack is also at Manchester United and has made three Premier League appearances already this season.

On how he was told about his memorable day, he said: ‘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.

‘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 got 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.’

Carrick, who is loving life in his role in charge of the Red Devils, was glad to be able to give the talented teenager his first professional experience.

‘It was a proud moment for me, to be able to give Tyler his next step really in his career,’ he said. ‘I never take that for granted, never before, when I was at Middlesbrough, and giving young players an opportunity.

‘I wanted to get him out on the pitch today, just to sample it and feel it. He came on and did really well. It’s what this club is and what a week to do it, with the anniversary of Munich and the Busby Babes and everything this club is based on. So it’s special and I certainly don’t take that for granted. It was great to give Tyler his chance.’

Things could not be going any better for Carrick and Manchester United right now, with his chances of being appointed as permanent manager increasing with every victory.

On his future, he said: ‘Nah, it’s not for now. I think to get excited and carried away, as a supporter, is where you should be. It’s why you come to support us, to dream and get carried away, hopefully leaving in good spirits and looking forward to coming back.

‘It’s our job to provide that and, to be in a position to do that in the last few weeks, has been great. We’ve got to keep doing that.’

The Red Devils bid for a fifth straight win on Tuesday night at West Ham.

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