24. Darren Fletcher
Saturday, 06 September 08, 09:10 PM · Comments(0)
| Birthdate: | 01 Feb 1984 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace: | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Position: | Midfielder |
| Appearances: | 176 |
| Goals: | 11 |
| Joined United: | 03 Jul 2000 |
| United Debut: | 12 Mar 2003 v FC Basel (H) |
| International | Scotland |
Darren Fletcher is a player for the big occasion. While other men might shirk from the responsibility presented to them in the heat of battle, the Scot thrives in such
encounters.
This attitude was never more visibly displayed than in the FA Cup 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal [in February 2008] in which he headed two goals. He set the standard for the team to follow
with his indefatigable running, hassling, closing down and tackling which denied the Gunners time and space to play their usual passing game.
“I enjoy the added pressure of the big games," admitted the midfielder, who scooped his
second title medal in May 2008 and was an unused substitute in the Champions League final in Moscow. "The atmosphere’s always special and the crowd spur you on.”
Despite seeing his chances limited in the centre of the park by the impressive partnership of Scholes and Carrick as well as the arrival of Owen Hargreaves and Anderson, the Scottish
international still made 24 appearances in 2007/08.
In the previous campaign he played 40 times and netted three goals including a vital winner in the 2-1 victory at Middlesbrough in December 2006. But it was his mature midfield displays in
the Champions
League victories over AS Roma and, most notably, AC Milan at Old Trafford that really caught the eye and prompted praise from players and pundits alike.
His United career almost got off to fairytale start when in May 2000, Fletcher was set to be included in the squad for the league trip to Villa Park, but FA rules – and his schoolboy status –
denied him the chance.
He joined United officially as a trainee in July 2000, but injuries stymied his progress. He eventually made his debut against Basel in March 2003, but it was in the following season that
Fletch made his mark, notching 35
appearances. By this stage, he was established as one of Scotland’s leading lights: he scored the solitary goal against Lithuania that earned a play-off for Euro 2004 and, later
that season, aged 20, became Scotland’s youngest captain for 118 years.
The 2004/05 campaign brought Fletcher’s first goal for United, in a 2-0 win at Boro on New Year’s Day. His most famous strike to date was against Chelsea in November 2005 when he headed the
goal that ended the champions’ 40-game unbeaten run. However much he's used by Sir Alex, the boss can be sure Fletcher is always ready for the toughest of challenges.
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