Ashley Fletcher has claimed that he hopes to get a first-team chance at Manchester United next season after spending the majority of the current campaign on loan at Barnsley.

The 20-year-old has helped the Tykes edge close to the playoffs in League One by scoring seven goals in 23 games.

Fletcher has had regular contact with United's Under-21 manager Warren Joyce, and is hopeful that he will get a chance at Old Trafford.

"I'd like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to come and play games. I feel like I'll be going back to Manchester United as a better player," Fletcher told Barnsley's official website.

"My Under-21s manager Warren Joyce rings me after every game and keeps in touch with me. 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's a completely different environment, one that I have relished. 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."

Fletcher joined United's academy from Bolton Wanderers in 2009.