Fletcher ready to step up
Darren Fletcher accepts he is no longer the new kid on the block and that he must take on a more responsible role in the Manchester United side – starting against Dinamo Bucharest tonight.
The 20-year-old Scot emerged as United’s most promising youngster last season but now accepts there are other young players coming through to challenge him for a place.
Some, such as 19-year-old midfielder Kieran Richardson, could even feature against Dinamo in the Champions League qualifier – but United boss Alex Ferguson is likely to start with his most experienced side.
That now includes Fletcher, who said: “There is maybe more responsibility on me this season than last season, especially because I find myself not being the youngest player in the squad any more. A lot are younger.
“That is a challenge I am willing to take. You just have to get used to it being part of Manchester United – they are always going to bring young players through. After a couple of years you suddenly find yourself being one of the more experienced players.
“I am fairly confident I can push for my place, but it is a squad game. There are a lot of games, and it is not going to be the same four midfielders week-in week-out. The manager is going to have to rest players and make sure everyone is fresh.”
Fletcher, who missed United’s pre-season tour of the USA because of injury, is determined to make up for the disappointments of last season.
He said: “I was pleased with breaking into the team last season and winning the FA Cup.
“But there was also disappointment in losing the Champions League and losing the Premiership to Arsenal, and that is something we are looking to rectify this season.”
Fletcher will play on the right of midfield against Dinamo but he is viewed as a long-term prospect for central midfield.
Under Ferguson’s watchful eye, however, he did not take the chance to voice his ambitions – saying: “My position is wherever the manager decides to play me.
“I will be more than happy to play anywhere in the team.”
United’s preparations for this must-win game were thrown into disarray by a violent thunderstorm in Bucharest last night. Plans to train at the National Stadium, the venue for tonight’s match, had to be scrapped after a torrential downpour led to fears for the state of the pitch.
Instead, United’s players went to Dinamo’s run-down club ground to train. But no sooner had they taken to the field than they were forced off again by a loud and frightening crack of lightning close to the pitch.
Eventually, the storm relented to allow training to take place – but not before the rain had turned some of the main streets of Bucharest into rivers.
Concerns about the pitch at the National Stadium becoming waterlogged were expressed earlier this week, and a UEFA delegate and the referee carried out an inspection this morning.
Defeat by Dinamo over the two-legged qualifier is unthinkable – it would cost United more than €20m, not including gate receipts, if they failed to make the group stage.
But Ferguson has to contend with nine players missing because of injury and non-availability.
Alan Smith is likely to lead the attack with back-up from Paul Scholes – and captain Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Fletcher in midfield. Wes Brown’s injury-enforced absence leaves more gaps in defence, and Gary Neville is likely to join Mikael Silvestre at centre-back.
Ferguson said: “It has stretched us certainly, but there is no reason for us to feel despondent.
“It is an opportunity for some of them, and they will be determined to do well.”
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