Fletcher happy at United

Midfielder gets reward after frustrating period

Last updated: 5th October 2008

manchester united darren fletcher

Fletcher: Loving life

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Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is loving life at Old Trafford and sees no reason to leave.

His comments come after the Scotland international signed a three-year extension to his Red Devils' contract on Friday.

But it has not always been easy for him at United as he only made 11 starts for the Premier League - UEFA Champions League double winners last term.

While such a frustrating time on the sidelines could have tempted some others to leave, not Fletcher, who has spent his entire career at Old Trafford.

He said: "It is a great honour to sign a new contract.

Fantastic club

"This is a fantastic club, the best in the world, and there is no place I would rather be.

"I know I did not start as many games as I would have liked last season but the manager thinks highly of me and I will keeping pushing for a run in the team."

Compared to his relatively few opportunities last term, Fletcher has already made eight starts this season and is delighted to be playing.

"I am really enjoying myself at the moment," he said.

"There are a lot of midfielders at the club and I found games hard to come by last season.

Wrong time

"I picked up a few injuries at the wrong time and the form of Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Anderson meant it was hard to get into that midfield.

"But this season there have been injuries and disruptions. I have been given a chance and once you get a run in the team you tend to improve."

Fletcher also relishes playing for Scotland and wants to help his country to a vital World Cup qualifying victory against Norway on Saturday.

"In a way I would like to keep going with Manchester United and keep the momentum going," he said.

"But everyone loves representing their country and I am no different.

"We lost our first game but we picked up three points against Iceland and now we play Norway, which is a must-win game for us."