Fletch: United is my home

"Speculation is something that’s part and parcel of being a United player. I don’t think the way the team’s been playing has changed dramatically."

- Darren Fletcher

22/11/2011 10:57, Report by Gemma Thompson

Darren Fletcher speaks to United Review and ManUtd.com about the season so far and the Champions League...

How did it feel when you stepped out to make your 300th appearance for the club against Sunderland? 

It was a great moment to reach such a milestone even though you treat it as just another game. The time has flown since my debut and I’ve enjoyed everything about playing for Manchester United. It’s all I’ve ever known and it’s become my home. It’s an achievement I want to build on. The next target has to be 350, then 400 and so on – you always want to keep going.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt since making your debut? 

The experience you pick up along the way is a massive thing. You hear people talk about it when you’re younger, but it’s only when you get older that you realise its importance. It’s about the different situations you go through on the pitch – you learn what it takes to succeed, what you need to do in certain matches and how to prepare for games so everything eventually becomes second nature. People have always told me to be myself too. There are so many great players you look up to, but you have to be your own player and your own man and have your own style. I’ve always tried to do that.

In terms of this season, how close are you to reaching your top form? 

I feel good. I’ve felt good since the start of the season and I’m pleased with how things have gone. The more games you play the more sharpness you get and, like the rest of the team, I really want to kick on for the rest of the season.

How have the dynamics of the midfield changed since Scholesy’s retirement and how does the constant media talk of targets impact on the current midfielders? 

Speculation is something that’s part and parcel of being a United player. I don’t think the way the team’s been playing has changed dramatically. Obviously Scholesy had a wonderful range of passing and could control the tempo of games, and as we get more experienced that’s something we’ll be looking to do. Manchester United always keeps moving forward - if one player leaves or retires the team is still in place. The manager has always kept things moving forward because they have to. This club never stands still.

What do you make of Barcelona president Sandro Rosell’s recent suggestion about dropping the number of domestic games to play more Champions League games at weekends? 

I don’t think it will happen. The set-up we have now works perfectly. Everyone loves the Premier League and when the Champions League comes around it’s always special. I think we already have exactly the right mix and blend.

Having missed out on playing in three Champions League finals, how big is your desire to win the competition? 

Playing in a final is still a goal that’s there for me. As a team we’re all desperate to get there again, I don’t think I’m particularly different from the rest in that sense. Some of the lads who have played in the last two are no doubt driven by their disappointment. The motivation is there for all of us and hopefully we can get there again.

source : Manutd

Fletcher feels for Cleverley

21/11/2011 11:22, Report by Adam Marshall

Darren Fletcher admits fellow midfielder Tom Cleverley will be missed by Manchester United as he recovers from an ankle ligament injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the England squad member out of action until Christmas after he suffered a recurrence of the problem during the win at Everton. However, Fletcher is convinced Cleverley will return to play a key role this term.

"It is disappointing," conceded the Scot. "Tom will be very disappointed personally, as we are as a team. He had been performing so well and had a great start to the season. The important thing now is that he gets the injury right. It is one of those niggly ones. He came back and had a recurrence.

"The best thing for him to do is get himself right. He will be an important player for the remainder of the season and hopefully the push for silverware. He is thought very highly of and rightly so because of his performances. People say he is still young but he has had a lot of experience. He was in the [Barclays] Premier League with Wigan last year and had a loan spell at Watford.

"He did fantastically well at both clubs. We are delighted to have him back from Wigan. He is an important part of our squad now and has fought his way into the team with some great performances this season."

Fletcher will be hoping to start against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday and realises that it's important for the Reds to win Group C.

"You do want to finish top," he asserted. "First and foremost, you look to qualify for the knockout stages. But you want to finish top, for the last-16 draw and for other perks like playing the second leg at home.

"We saw Arsenal finish second in their group last season and end up being drawn against Barcelona. Although people say you have to beat these teams if you want to win it, it is good to avoid them until later in the competition.

"The threat in this season's Champions League is from the usual places. The other teams in England, plus Real Madrid and Barcelona, while Bayern Munich have been mightily impressive and the Italian teams have great experience. Competition in the knockout stages is very fierce. There are no easy games and a lot of teams will be thinking they can go on and win it."

Fletcher was speaking to ManUtd.com, PA Sport, BBC Radio Manchester and Key 103.

source : Manutd

Fletcher lauds Swans

“They play football the right way and have been a breath of fresh air since coming into the Premier League. It’s going to be a real challenge.”

 - Darren Fletcher

17/11/2011 12:16, Report by Mark Froggatt

Darren Fletcher has praised Swansea City's attacking intent ahead of United’s first-ever Premier League trip to Wales on Saturday. Fletcher lauds Swans

The Reds midfielder has been impressed by the football on show at the Liberty Stadium, where Brendan Rogers’ newly-promoted side are still unbeaten after five home games in the top flight. Overall, the Swans have earned a respectable 13 points from a possible 33.

"It’s a new experience for us all. They’re the first Welsh team in the Premier League and going there will be a great experience," Fletcher told ManUtd.com.

"Swansea have been applauded for the football they’ve played this season. When I was on international duty, I spoke to a couple of my Scotland team-mates who have played against them and they told me how well Swansea keep the ball.

"They play football in the right way and have been a breath of fresh air since coming into the Premier League. It’s going to be a real challenge for us on Saturday.

"I’m sure this is the sort of fixture Swansea and their fans have been dreaming about for years. Welsh fans are always passionate and I’m sure the stadium will be packed out so it should be a fantastic atmosphere."

Saturday’s game also provides Fletcher with an opportunity to meet up with his former United colleague Alan Tate, whose Old Trafford career ended seven years ago with a switch to Swansea, then in League Two, following two successful loan spells.

"It’ll be nice to see my old friend Alan Tate who I played with in the youth team," Fletcher recalled. "He was a couple of years older than me and always looked after me and made sure I was okay when I first came to Manchester.

"I’ll always remember him for that. He’s recovering from a bad injury at the moment and the sooner he gets back in the team the better it’ll be for Swansea because he’s a top player."

source : Manutd