Manchester United: Ashley Fletcher targets first-team role at Old Trafford after Barnsley loan

Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher says his parent club have been in constant contact with him during his impressive loan spell at Barnsley and he is looking to earn a first-team role back at Old Trafford.

Fletcher, 20, joined the Tykes in January. He has since helped transform the club's season, taking them from relegation candidates to now being just one win away from confirming their place in the League One play-offs.

The England Under-20 international has struck seven times since his arrival in what has been his first loan spell away from United, with his former Under-21 manager Warren Joyce keeping a close eye on his development.

"Warren Joyce rings me after every game and keeps in touch with me," Fletcher told Barnsley's official website. "He's watched a few of my games and given me good feedback and things to work on as well.

"League games are totally different to Under-21s games and it is a completely different environment, one that I have relished. Scoring goals for any striker is the main objective, luckily I have managed to get seven and I'd like a few more at the weekend.

"It has been massive and has aided my confidence and I'd like to think that I've put in some good performances along the way."

While Fletcher has been away, Marcus Rashford has set about making an instant impression on the United first-team, having scored seven goals since making his debut in late February.

The Barnsley loanee, who also helped the club win the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in April, is hoping to earn a similar opportunity back at Old Trafford, or alternatively would like to rejoin the Tykes if they win promotion to the Championship.

"I'll go back to United at the end of the season and try and push my way into the first-team, if not then maybe another loan spell away from the club," he continued.

"Hopefully I can do that in the Championship with Barnsley next season and we should be there. It is a difficult one for now but I'll have to go back there and see what happens."