Fletcher: Must score more

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Darren Fletcher insists Manchester United cannot afford to rely on Cristiano Ronaldo for goals this term.

The Portuguese superstar notched 42 in all competitions last season, helping the Red Devils to Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory.

He missed the start of the current campaign as he recovered from summer ankle surgery, but was back among the goals in midweek as he put United on their way to a Carling Cup success against Middlesbrough.

The tricky winger will be expected to provide the Red Devils' main attacking threat from the flanks, but Fletcher is hoping Ronaldo will not be left to carry the goal scoring burden by himself.

Incredible

"It was great to see Ronaldo come back and score again," said the Scotland midfielder.

"He is a fantastic player and his goal scoring record over the last couple of seasons has been ridiculous.

"It would be asking a lot of him to match or equal that but we know he is capable of 20 goals a season, which is an incredible return in itself.

"But other players have to chip in as well. If they can do that we will have goals from all over the place, which is important."

Clicked

United are yet to replicate the kind of form which saw them triumph at home and abroad last term, but Fletcher is confident that Sir Alex Ferguson's men will soon be firing on all cylinders.

"We hope it is just a case of everything falling into place because we need to get on one of our long winning runs," he said.

"The same thing happened last season when chances were not being taken but eventually everything clicked and we want the same thing to happen again.

"At least we are creating chances, even if we have not been taking them. We would be more worried if we weren't.

"But I am sure the goals will eventually come because we have top quality players."