Young Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher has joined Barnsley on a one-month loan deal.
The 20-year-old has not made an appearance for United's first team yet but will be delighted to have gotten his first loan move. Some young players these days are jumping straight into the first team, but as Tom Heaton explained to VAVEL UK, loan moves are vital for development.
Manchester United striker joins League One side on loan
Fletcher knows that, he told the club's official website that he is "buzzing to be here" and has "come to get some league experience."
He could make his debut in the next few days, being eligible to play in Barnsley's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northen Area Final first leg against Fleetwood Town on Saturday. Fletcher is "looking forward to this weekend" because "Fleetwood are a good side". Even so, the striker thinks Barnsley "can do the business" in the first leg at home.
Young forward has yet to play for first team
Fletcher has risen through the ranks quickly at United, impressing at under-16 level before becoming the under-21s' striker. In September, he scored a hattrick for Warren Joyce's side against Rochdale which was widely shared on social media.
United will be hoping Fletcher is given plenty of game time, having played just five times this season, albeit netting once, with very few under-21 fixtures being arranged by United. He did not play with the under-19s in the UEFA Youth League due to his age.
20-year-old Fletcher scored for England under-20 in 2015 on debut
He was called up to the England under-20 side in late 2015, scoring his first goal for his country against France in a 4-3 friendly defeat. He was on the pitch for only 15 minutes but made a good impact.