Central midfielders earned the biggest cheers of the
night as United beat Galatasaray 1-0 at Old Trafford - firstly for
Michael Carrick scoring the only goal, and secondly for Darren
Fletcher's long-awaited comeback.
The latter's entrance in the 79th minute, as a substitute for
Paul Scholes, ended a ten-month absence dating back to another
Champions League home game - the 2-2 draw with Benfica on 22
November 2011, when he also scored his last goal for the Reds.
Fletcher then took an extended break after he was diagnosed with
ulcerative colitis.
"He's been out for a long time," acknowledged Sir Alex on
MUTV, "and I think the
supporters recognise what a difficult time the lad's had.
"That [the crowd's ovation] was a mark of respect to a really
honest and tremendous young lad.
"I was pleased for him. He didn't do great but he didn't do
badly. Taking into consideration it was his first game for ten
months, I think he acquitted himself very well. "