Manchester United’s 13th star will head to this summer’s World Cup after his compatriot was ruled out of the tournament with a serious injury
Tyler Fletcher will play in the World Cup (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher has been called up to Scotland’s World Cup squad as a last-minute replacement for injured Billy Gilmour. Fletcher, 19, just made his Scotland debut in Saturday’s 4-1 friendly win against Curacao, during which Gilmour suffered a knee injury.
The Napoli star will miss Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 in a devastating blow. Coach Steve Clarke’s side are scheduled to head to the United States on Sunday, with Fletcher expected to be along for the ride.
The teenager, who is the son of United legend Darren, fended off competition from three other midfielders who were waiting. Rangers’ Conor Barron, Sparta Prague’s Andy Irving and Udinese star Lennon Miller were also in contention to replace Gilmour at short notice.
Scotland national team coach Clark explained after the game, “Those three are on standby, and of course Tyler joined us this week.” “He’s been training well this week so he’s a little closer than the other three, but we’ll have to talk to the staff and decide the best way forward.”
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On Sunday morning, the Scottish FA confirmed that Fletcher had been called up. His twin brother Jack (who is also on United’s books) chose to represent England at youth international level.
His father, Darren, played 80 times for Scotland and was appointed captain in 2009. The former midfielder is currently in charge of United’s Under-18s after taking over as interim first-team manager in January.
Tyler featured for the Red Devils on the final day of the season at Brighton, becoming the 13th United player to be selected for the 2026 World Cup. The 19-year-old won the Denzil Haroun Player of the Year award this season, a prestigious award previously held by Nicky Butt, Michael Keane, Adnan Januzaj, Axel Tuanzebe and Alvaro Fernandes.
After Saturday’s game at Hampden Park, Scotland star Kenny McLean called Fletcher “special” and compared him to his father. “Tyler has arrived. I can’t say enough about him,” MacLean praised.
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Tyler Fletcher made his Scotland debut on Saturday (Image: WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
“After the first session, I said to the players, ‘I see something special in him,’ so I was happy to see him improve after a week. I played with his dad in the first few teams, but in the first session for me, he (Darren) stood out in the mile.”
“Fortunately for Scotland, his son is quite similar. There’s a lot of potential there. The important thing is to use him in the right way.”
Scotland will begin their World Cup match against Haiti on Sunday 14th June at 2am UK time. The group also includes Brazil and Morocco.
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