Fletcher reaches desired level

Man Utd midfielder pleased with new-found standing

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 12th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fletcher reaches desired level

Fletcher: Fulfilling ambitions

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Darren Fletcher has revealed he is now playing at a level which he always strived to reach when he first broke into the Manchester United side.

Big things have been expected of the 25-year-old ever since manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried to name him on the bench for the final league game of the season against Aston Villa in May 2000 when the Scotland international was just 16.

However, Fletcher has only really established himself in the Red Devils first team over the past two seasons with the midfielder restricted to the fringes up until then.

The Scot is now making up for lost time and after some stand-out displays in some of the biggest games Fletcher has become one of the first names on Ferguson's team-sheet completing an astounding turnaround.

"This is a level that I've been striving to reach," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"The way I am playing now, I'm the player I've always wanted to show people I could be. I'm not saying I've worked harder than anyone else, I've just tried to make sure I improve my game and things have really paid off.

"I'm enjoying everything at the moment because the team is successful. Last season was great, despite the disappointment of the Champions League final. [Fletcher was suspended causing many to suggest that the 2-0 scoreline against Barcelona may have been different had he played - further enhancing his reputation.]

"If you look back on what we achieved right throughout the season, it was fantastic. I played in a lot of big games and was given a consistent run.

Taking nothing for granted

"The most important thing for me this season has been to kick on and not sit back and take my place for granted.

"At United you're proving your worth every game, there's always someone who wants to take your shirt. That drives you on. I want to keep improving as a player, as I feel I have always done in every season I've been here."

Fletcher attributes his improved performances down to the fact that he is finally seeing his extra work in the gym pay off.

"Doing weights is a big thing for me now, whereas before it didn't seem to have much of an effect," he added

"But just because you're in the gym, that doesn't make you a great player. Fitness has never been a problem, but in terms of strength and power, my gym work has made a real difference.

"Striking the right balance is important. There would be no point in bulking up if that was to the detriment of being able to get around the pitch, which is a big part of my game.

"It's been a gradual progression for me, but I'm really enjoying myself and I want to continue for many more years to come."

Forgotten man

Meanwhile, forgotten man Zoran Tosic insists he is not looking for a way out of the club despite making just four substitute appearances since signing from Partizan Belgrade in January.

The 22-year-old was tipped to be the long-term successor to Ryan Giggs on the left flank but the Serbian has slipped behind the likes of Nani, Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan in the pecking order and has even been left out of United's European squad.

"I am doing my best to break through at United but there are many good wingers in the squad and all I can do is keep working hard and take every opportunity to play well," he said.

"I am not thinking about a move away from United because I am confident that I belong here and that if I am patient enough, I will be able to prove my worth and eventually break into the first-team.

"It would be easy to lose faith, get frustrated and make a hasty decision to go to another club, but I have joined one of the three biggest clubs in the world.

"On the other hand, I have to keep in mind that I need more first-team football to keep my place in the Serbia squad for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

"Time will tell, but I definitely want to stay."

Comments (9)

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Mcteodor Tango (Manchester United fan) says...

i see Fletcher as the future captain of united as soon as neville retires next yr...Rooney will be VICE CAPT

Posted 15:52 12th November 2009

Remy Kay (Manchester United fan) says...

how about this, future manchester united captain?. has all the attributes with an extremly level head

Posted 15:17 12th November 2009

Madhu Krishnan (Manchester United fan) says...

I think man u neeed a good left winger and striker and atttacking midfield that wil do the treble please sir alex

Posted 14:58 12th November 2009

Mohammed Ibrahim (Manchester United fan) says...

DARREN IS MY FAVOURITE PLAYER IN MY TEAM(UNITED)WHEN EVER I SEE HIM AT THE LINE_UP STATUS I GOT MORE CONFIDENCE

Posted 14:45 12th November 2009

Hassan Mohammed (Manchester United fan) says...

DARREN IS AGREAT PLAYER WITH A GOOD TECHNIC AND THE ONLY THINK I CAN NEVER FORGET IS HW HE PLAYS AGAINSTTHE BIG TEAMS AND HIS GOOD TACKLING AND I BLEIVE AT HE IS OUR SECOND KEANE.

Posted 14:29 12th November 2009

Sam H (Chelsea fan) says...

Fletchers performances over the past few seasons speak for themself. He has come on leaps and bounds and has matured into a fine player. Would love to see him wear the blue of chelsea.

Posted 13:57 12th November 2009

Chris Coetzee (Manchester United fan) says...

darren is proving he is more than just a tough tackler,his passing this season has been excellent,he's only getting better,for the last 2 seasons he has been underated and finaly this season he starting to be seen as a very good player who will just get better, he talks the talk and walks the walk, united through and through. we have not had this since keano. if he continues to play and improve the way he has been, he will end up a united LEGEND!!!!

Posted 13:13 12th November 2009

Ibraz Hussein (Manchester United fan) says...

fletcher sould stay more ever as long as united treat him well and de aim also darren knows!otherwise stay cool and have anice time

Posted 12:36 12th November 2009

Paul Katuramu (Manchester United fan) says...

Darren Fletcher is one of the young lads from the United academy that keeps on growing everyseaso football wise. He has matured quickly and i believe he's destined for greater achievements and success through out his career. Cheers

Posted 12:08 12th November 2009
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