Why Darren Fletcher is no longer Manchester United's ugly duckling

Published 14:29 31/08/09

Darren Fletcher has been one of the most underrated players in the Premier League for the past couple of seasons. Not any more.

No-one can dispute his right to be regarded as a player of real stature after his towering display against Arsenal in Manchester United's hard-fought 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

Fletcher has emerged as arguably Sir Alex Ferguson's most influential midfielder, with five of United's last six defeats coming when he has not played any part.

It's perhaps no coincidence Fletcher was missing when United were humbled 1-0 at Burnley a fortnight ago. With Fletcher starting this season, United have a 100 per cent record.

Fletcher was one of the young United players lambasted by former skipper Roy Keane in his infamous MUTV rant of four years ago, which was deemed too savage to broadcast.

But at Old Trafford on Saturday, Fletcher was the closest thing to Keane that United fans have seen since their legendary ex-skipper's acrimonious departure from the club.

Belligerent, committed and seemingly everywhere, Fletcher played the role of midfield spoiler to perfection, as well as earning the free-kick from which United's winning goal game.

In the long-term absence of United's midfield destroyer Owen Hargreaves, whose career remains in the balance after surgery on both knees, Fletcher has stepped up to fill the void.

Much was made of Fletcher's suspension from the Champions League final against Barcelona, and whether his presence in Rome would have made any difference to the outcome.

Probably not, such was the brilliance of Barca trio Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta in imposing themselves on the occasion, while United's midfield wilted by comparison.

But as he showed against Arsenal, Fletcher is an uncompromising opponent, one with the ability to throw opponents off their stride by never allowing them to settle.

How United could have done with someone with that kind of attitude in Rome last May, when their midfield rolled over like an obliging puppy and allowed Barca's players to wreak havoc.

Fletcher is not the finished article, of course. He has only scored 13 goals in six seasons at United, which is an area of his game he himself would admit needs to improve.

But at 25, Fletcher is starting to fulfil his rich potential and deserves recognition for what he brings to United's cause, which more than can be said for some members of Fergie's squad.

United midfielder Anderson, who had a bust-up with Fergie over his omission from the Community Shield squad, should watch a re-run of Fletcher's display against Arsenal.

Anderson's attitude, it is understood, has been questionable this season, which would explain his continued omission by Fergie.

But if Anderson is serious about making it at United, he need look no further than Fletcher as an example of a young player who has put in the graft and is now reaping the rewards.

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