Only one of their own — The story behind 18-year-old Jack Fletcher, Man United’s lone homegrown name for Tottenham clash

The 18-year-old Jack Fletcher is the only homegrown player included in the Manchester United squad against Tottenham primarily to maintain the club's historic 88-year streak of featuring an academy graduate in every matchday squad, combined with the unavailability of other senior homegrown players.

Coach, Ruben Amorim, the Premier League manager of the month, specifically addressed the importance of maintaining what he described as a "bulletproof" tradition, according to the United website, which now extends to 4,333 consecutive matches, regardless of results or external factors.

Maintaining the Tradition: Amorim is resolute in his commitment to the club's founding principles, stating, "We are not going to break that record, and Jack is ready to help us." Fletcher's presence ensures this nearly 88-year-old streak, dating back to 1937, continues.

Injury and Exclusion of Others: Other academy graduates who are typically involved are currently unavailable:

• Kobbie Mainoo is sidelined by a knock.

• Tom Heaton and Tyler Fredricson are not part of the travelling group.

While the youngster’s involvement maintains traditions, Amorim views Fletcher's inclusion as both a necessity and a statement, stressing that the young midfielder is "ready to help us." 

It also serves to "show the players in our Academy that they need to be ready because we are going to need them at some point."

Fletcher, who has been training regularly with the first team, therefore steps up to fulfill this crucial role for the trip to London.