Darren Fletcher has a chance to create a remarkable chapter in Premier League history when he steps in as the acting manager of Manchester United on Wednesday.
The club has appointed Fletcher, currently the under-18 manager, to temporarily succeed Ruben Amorim following his dismissal.
This interim role means Fletcher has the unique opportunity to coach both of his sons, Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher, who are part of the first-team squad due to numerous injuries and AFCON departures.
Jack and Tyler, who are 18-year-old twins, were on the bench during the draw against Leeds, which marked Amorim’s last game as manager, and now face the exciting prospect of being available for selection under their father.
If both players feature against Burnley, they would make history as the first brothers to play under their father’s management in the Premier League.
– Ruben Amorim has been relieved of his duties as Manchester United manager
– Amorim criticizes Manchester United executives: ‘Do your jobs’
– Amorim aims for control at United, but his outburst may have cost him his position
Will Fletcher involve either of his sons?
Jack Fletcher, a midfielder, made his debut for the United first team against Aston Villa as a substitute on December 21. He also came on as a sub during the Boxing Day match against Newcastle and again against Wolves.
In contrast, Tyler, also a midfielder, has yet to make his first-team debut.
In their last match, United started with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in central midfield, while Amorim only substituted forward Joshua Zirkzee.
Interestingly, the Fletcher family is not the only example of father-son duos in Premier League history; ESPN explores other notable family connections…
Jamie and Harry Redknapp
This was the second instance of Harry managing his son Jamie, but the first in the Premier League. They had previously collaborated at Bournemouth in 1989 when Jamie was just 16. They reunited in January 2005 when Jamie joined Southampton on a free transfer, becoming his father’s inaugural signing at the club.
Jamie made 17 appearances in total (16 in the Premier League and 1 in the FA Cup) before retiring that season due to persistent knee issues.
Nigel and Brian Clough
Brian Clough managed his son, Nigel, throughout Nigel’s initial tenure at Nottingham Forest from 1984 to 1993. During this time, Nigel made over 400 appearances and scored 131 goals under his father’s leadership. Together, they won the Football League Cup in both 1989 and 1990.
Nigel also represented England, earning 14 caps — all while playing at Forest under his father. Later, he followed in his father’s footsteps into management, coaching teams such as Derby County and Burton Albion.
Darren and Sir Alex Ferguson
Darren was given his Manchester United debut by Sir Alex and made 30 appearances over four years with the club. One of his most extended runs in the lineup came when captain Bryan Robson was injured, allowing Darren to make 15 appearances for United during the 1992-1993 season. His contributions also earned him a Premier League winners medal that season.
Eventually, he moved on to Wolverhampton Wanderers and has remarked that his time playing under his father at United was quite challenging.
Gavin and Gordon Strachan
Gavin played under his father’s management at Coventry City, but his playing time was limited. Out of the 13 appearances he made, only 11 were as a substitute. Gavin remained with Coventry after their relegation in 2001 and departed shortly after his father’s resignation as manager later that year.
Gavin continued his career in football administration, notably serving as the first team coach with Celtic. He also had stints as assistant manager to Darren Ferguson on two occasions.
Alex and Steve Bruce
The Bruce family has a unique connection, as Alex Bruce played a total of 116 competitive matches under his father Steve across two clubs. Alex first joined his father at Birmingham in 2005 and later at Hull City in July 2012. He played a vital role in Hull’s promotion to the Premier League and their appearance in the 2014 FA Cup Final.
Their relationship extended beyond the pitch, as Alex joined his father’s coaching staff after retiring as a player at West Bromwich Albion in 2022, continuing their professional collaboration.