Home Sports Man United’s next generation: As the twin sons, 17, of one legend sign Old Trafford contracts, can you recognise the other ex-players’ kids who are trying to carve out their own careers in football?

Man United’s next generation: As the twin sons, 17, of one legend sign Old Trafford contracts, can you recognise the other ex-players’ kids who are trying to carve out their own careers in football?

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Darren Fletcher's twin sons, Jack (right) and Tyler Fletcher (left), have signed their first professional contracts with Manchester United and hope to follow in their father's footsteps.

Darren Fletcher’s twin sons, Jack and Tyler, followed in his footsteps and signed their first professional contracts at Manchester United.

The boys put pen to paper after turning 17, having made the switch from rivals Man City last summer in a deal worth £1.25million.

Darren, 40, works as a technical director on Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff, so he can closely follow Jack and Tyler’s progress.

They are both midfielders, meaning they really are a chip off the old Fletcher block and if they become as successful as their father, United will have made the family proud.

But Fletcher is not the only former United star whose son hopes to reach the top of the game.

Darren Fletcher's twin sons, Jack (right) and Tyler Fletcher (left), have signed their first professional contracts with Manchester United and hope to follow in their father's footsteps.

Darren Fletcher’s twin sons, Jack (right) and Tyler Fletcher (left), have signed their first professional contracts with Manchester United and hope to follow in their father’s footsteps.

The pair had previously played together for Scotland at youth level, although Jack (left) has now switched allegiances to represent England.

The pair had previously played together for Scotland at youth level, although Jack (left) has now switched allegiances to represent England.

The pair had previously played together for Scotland at youth level, although Jack (left) has now switched allegiances to represent England.

Former United midfielder Fletcher works as technical director in Erik ten Hag's team

Former United midfielder Fletcher works as technical director in Erik ten Hag's team

Former United midfielder Fletcher works as technical director in Erik ten Hag’s team

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ROMEO BECKHAM

One of the most famous names in football after his father David’s successful career at Old Trafford, in which he won a multitude of trophies in Sir Alex Ferguson’s great teams.

Romeo Beckham, second son of David and Victoria, is 21 years old and currently plays for Brentford’s B team. Unlike his father, Romeo plays as a striker and is an Arsenal fan.

In fact, Romeo began his career in the Gunners’ youth ranks alongside brothers Brooklyn and Cruz before signing for Inter Miami, the MLS club owned by David, at the age of 19.

He impressed during a six-month loan at Brentford, earning a permanent contract, and hopes to make a breakthrough in the senior team in the future.

Romeo plays for Brentford's B team in a friendly match against Newcastle United last year.

Romeo plays for Brentford's B team in a friendly match against Newcastle United last year.

Romeo plays for Brentford’s B team in a friendly match against Newcastle United last year.

HARVEY NEVILLE

The 21-year-old son of former United and England player Phil Neville is currently with MLS Next Pro club Portland Timbers 2 as he looks to make it professionally.

Harvey, who can play at right-back or in midfield, followed in his father’s footsteps by playing for United’s youth ranks and also had stints at Valencia and Man City.

When Phil was in charge of Inter Miami, Harvey signed for their affiliate reserve team Fort Lauderdale and went on to play for Inter Miami’s first team.

When his father took over as head coach at Portland Timbers, his son embraced it as well and hopes to have a regular run of MLS action in due course.

Harvey Neville, Phil's son, pictured when playing for MLS club Inter Miami

Harvey Neville, Phil's son, pictured when playing for MLS club Inter Miami

Harvey Neville, Phil’s son, pictured when playing for MLS club Inter Miami

Since then, Neville Jr followed his father and moved to Portland Timbers, another MLS franchise.

Since then, Neville Jr followed his father and moved to Portland Timbers, another MLS franchise.

Since then, Neville Jr followed his father and moved to Portland Timbers, another MLS franchise.

KAI ROONEY

Do you remember the name? Well, yes, because there are hopes that 14-year-old Kai can be as successful as his father Wayne, who is United’s all-time leading scorer.

Like many talented youngsters in the region, Kai spent time with United and City before opting for United when his father returned to England from the United States to coach Derby in 2020.

Understandably, Rooney Sr. couldn’t hide his pride when his son signed for United and Kai (a striker, naturally) smashed the club’s under-12 season goal record with 56.

Last year, he helped United beat City to win the National Under-13 Cup North by scoring a goal in a 2-0 victory and already has a deal with sports brand Puma.

If Kai can perform half as well as Wayne, he will still have a very brilliant career.

Wayne Rooney couldn't hide his pride when his son Kai signed for United's academy

Wayne Rooney couldn't hide his pride when his son Kai signed for United's academy

Wayne Rooney couldn’t hide his pride when his son Kai signed for United’s academy

The youngster will no doubt hope to replicate the illustrious career his father enjoyed.

The youngster will no doubt hope to replicate the illustrious career his father enjoyed.

The youngster will no doubt hope to replicate the illustrious career his father enjoyed.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

Talk about big boots to fill!

Ronaldo’s doppelganger son, with the same name, has followed his father’s career through the academies of Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United and now Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

It will take some effort to renew the galaxy of titles Ronaldo Sr., 39, has amassed in his remarkable career, but his lad recently helped Al-Nassr’s under-13 team win the Premier League title.

Not only that, but Ronaldo Jr was the captain of the team, suggesting that leadership qualities may be genetic in that family.

While his father’s achievements will add some pressure, the youngster is still at an age where he can enjoy football.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has followed in his father's footsteps by signing for the same clubs and is now at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has followed in his father's footsteps by signing for the same clubs and is now at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has followed in his father’s footsteps by signing for the same clubs and is now at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently shared a post-workout photo with his son, Ronaldo Jr.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently shared a post-workout photo with his son, Ronaldo Jr.

Cristiano Ronaldo recently shared a post-workout photo with his son, Ronaldo Jr.

ARRON SCHOOLS

It’s always a tough act to follow given the absolute genius of dad Paul, who racked up 718 appearances and 155 goals for United over the course of two decades, winning everything in sight.

Arron has played semi-professional non-league football for Stalybridge Celtic, Chadderton and others whilst working as a personal trainer.

Scholes Jr last appeared in the news in September after criticizing United fans who walked their team off the pitch following a dismal 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

“Who the hell is applauding those useless idiots?” he wrote on social media.

Arron Scholes played semi-professionally for Stalybridge Celtic, Chadderton and others

Arron Scholes played semi-professionally for Stalybridge Celtic, Chadderton and others

Arron Scholes played semi-professionally for Stalybridge Celtic, Chadderton and others

1712257003 323 Man Uniteds next generation As the twin sons 17 of

1712257003 323 Man Uniteds next generation As the twin sons 17 of

WILD CHARLIE

A midfielder like his father Robbie, the 20-year-old left United last year and now plays for League One side Reading, as well as the Wales national team.

Charlie came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford having been educated at Manchester Grammar School and was rewarded with a first team debut in a 2021 Champions League match against Young Boys.

However, with the route to United’s first team congested, Savage signed for Reading on a four-year deal last summer.

Although he plays regularly, it has been a turbulent season for Reading, who have suffered three points deductions amid off-field conflicts.

Man United’s nepo babies: As Darren Fletcher’s twin sons sign deals at Old Trafford, which other young footballers want to follow in their parents’ footsteps?

Charlie Savage in action for Manchester United before moving to Reading

Charlie Savage in action for Manchester United before moving to Reading

Charlie Savage in action for Manchester United before moving to Reading

Although Charlie has played regularly, it has been a turbulent season for the League One club.

Although Charlie has played regularly, it has been a turbulent season for the League One club.

Although Charlie has played regularly, it has been a turbulent season for the League One club.

SHAQUEEL VAN PERSIE

Robin van Persie achieved his ambition of winning the Premier League title at United in 2013 after moving from Arsenal.

Shaqueel, 17, is his son, also a forward, and is trying to make a splash at Feyenoord.

He was another to spend time in Manchester City’s academy before joining the same Dutch club where Robin began his career.

A spectacular bicycle kick for the Feyenoord U-15 team against rival Ajax generated headlines in November 2020 and, in May 2022, he was rewarded with a three-year contract.

Shaqueel van Persie (left) in action with the Feyenoord U14 team against Ajax in 2019

Shaqueel van Persie (left) in action with the Feyenoord U14 team against Ajax in 2019

Shaqueel van Persie (left) in action with the Feyenoord U14 team against Ajax in 2019

FILIP MATIC

Serbian midfielder Matic played for United between 2017 and 2022, and is still going strong at 35 years old at French club Lyon.

His son Filip attracted further attention in 2018 when a video clip emerged of him doing maintenance drills in the family’s back garden wearing a full United kit.

In 2022, another clip emerged of Matic Jr and Ronaldo Jr recreating their parents’ goal and assist in a United match against Chelsea.

The children of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Matic recreated their fathers' goal for Manchester United against Chelsea a couple of years ago.

The children of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Matic recreated their fathers' goal for Manchester United against Chelsea a couple of years ago.

The children of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Matic recreated their fathers’ goal for Manchester United against Chelsea a couple of years ago.

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