Get the day's biggest United stories delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Watching Barnsley play Oxford might not normally excite Manchester United fans, but the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final could offer a glimpse of their future.

Louis van Gaal's team still harbour hopes of a Wembley trip this season and one Red on Sunday will achieve what he hopes will be the first of many showpiece games there.

It has already been an encouraging season for Ashley Fletcher.

The 20-year-old striker, born in Keighley and schooled in Bolton, has achieved his first competitive football and goals at Oakwell, finding his feet and transitioning through a managerial change at the League One club to earn a regular place in the team.

Fletcher's increasing importance in the Barnsley side has coincided with a surge in form; with 13 wins from their last 16 games, another Wembley trip could await in the play-offs.

Even if they fall short, it have been a productive loan spell and the striker will return to Old Trafford an improved player.

Has his absence from Manchester moved that dream further away though? In the absence of Fletcher (and James Wilson), Marcus Rashford stepped up in a time of need and has started emphatically.

That hasn't been a problem for Fletcher, who said the 'really good talent is getting what he deserves'. But he is working overtime to maintain the momentum for his United dream.

"I always keep in touch with [Warren Joyce]," he told the official website.

"He rings me after every game. He’s really good like that, to be fair.

"I go in to the club on my day off as well to train and just to show my face there. Warren is really good because he gives me advice and helps me.

More:

"I am here now but want to go back there and be a better player. That’s my aim. I go there on my days off to work in the gym and see the lads to find out how they’re getting on."

Watch: Van Gaal on Rashford after Manchester derby

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

If that helps keep his face in at the club, goals are the main currency to continue being championed, something new academy head Nicky Butt accepted United could do more.

Wilson - as well as Rashford - will be pushing for a place in the first team squad next season when he returns from Championship high-flyers.

But the in-form Fletcher has not been fazed by the new challenges this term.

He scored ten minutes into his debut for England Under-20s in November, and netted again in a behind-closed-doors game against Canada last week (a match Rashford was on the bench for).

A standout performance in front of 60,000 this weekend would be another step towards showing the 20-year-old has what it takes to thrive on the big stage.