Stoke City defender Nathan Collins has an admirer in Manchester United coach Darren Fletcher

A report by The Sun claims that Manchester United official Darren Fletcher is an ‘admirer’ of Stoke City defender, Nathan Collins.

The former United midfielder joined the Red Devils’ backroom staff in January. And he has now stepped into the role of a technical director under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Fletcher was, of course, at Stoke for 2 years during the last years of his playing career. The Scotsman hung up his boots and called it a day in 2019, the same year when Collins made his senior debut for the Potters.

Collins was coming through the club’s academy during Fletcher’s time there, and the 37-year-old is said to be a fan of the defender. United are looking for a defensive partner for Harry Maguire next season.

An exciting option at the back

In fact, it is one of their ‘top priorities’ now and Fletcher would be looking to leave an impression on the club’s transfer policy. Collins is one defender that would fit the bill at Old Trafford. (h/t The Sun)

He has captained Ireland at youth level and already has the physical stature to be a centre-back at United. The 6ft 4in centre-back has already played in 22 Championship games this season.

And he also has 2 goals and one assist to his name, showing that he has the capability of being a goal-scoring centre-back. While he is young, he could be moulded into a top defender at United. (h/t Transfermarkt)

And it is one signing that United should look to make. Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have, of course, partnered United in defence this season.

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But regardless of that, a defender like Collins would add quality and depth to the club’s rear-guard. It remains to be seen if United actually do go for the defender in the near future.