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Fletcher: 'United is all I know'
Darren Fletcher has outlined exactly what being part of Manchester United means to him.
The Scot is helping to shape the Reds' future by coaching the Under-18s, who are approaching the first of two major youth finals.
Wednesday night's Under-18 Premier League Cup showdown at Selhurst Park, which is live on MUTV, pits Fletcher's side against Crystal Palace (19:00 BST kick-off).
The Eagles were defeated last Friday at Old Trafford to also set up an FA Youth Cup final clash with Manchester City.
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After joining the club as a 12-year-old, Fletcher enjoyed great success under Sir Alex Ferguson, coming through the ranks to become a key performer in the engine room.
He won five Premier League titles and was part of the squad that secured UEFA Champions League success in 2008.
During his appearance on the Inside Carrington podcast, he described just what it is like to be part of the club, having fulfilled a number of roles since retiring, including a two-game stint as interim head coach earlier this season.
"It's crazy because, actually, I was having this conversation last night," he said of his long association with United. "We were talking about my little nephew, because he's turning 12.
"I said that's when I went to Manchester for the first time on my own, with a scout, an amazing scout. I got the train down with Andy Perry, God rest his soul, he's passed away now. He brought me down at the age of 12.
"Then I moved down here permanently at 15, on my own as well, to go to digs in Sale. Cecil Avenue, right next to Ashton-on-Mersey, the school I went to.
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"It's all I know," he continued. "Obviously, I've been at other clubs, but Manchester United has made me, formed me, developed me. It's been a massive part of my life and a privilege.
"A privilege and an honour to be part of the biggest club in the world, for me, without doubt, and one of the most special clubs in the world.
"It definitely feels like a family. It's something I've got great passion in and doing my best for.
"Ultimately, we want to do the best for Manchester United, the club and the individuals who work there. The young players and the staff, making sure we're all helping each other.
"We've got each other's backs and are striving for the same thing, which is making Manchester United successful."