Signing on: Darren Fletcher puts pen to paper on
his new contract extension alongside manager Sir Alex
Ferguson
Darren Fletcher has signed
a new four-year contract with Manchester United
that will keep him at Old
Trafford until 2015.
The Scotland captain follows team-mates Michael Carrick, Ryan
Giggs and Patrice Evra who have all recently committed their
futures to the Premier League leaders.
Fletcher has become a key player for boss Sir Alex Ferguson and
his absence through suspension was cited as one of the reasons why
United performed so badly in the 2009 Champions League final
against Barcelona.
Ferguson said: 'Darren has been at the club since he was 15.
'I am extremely proud that he came through the ranks of our
youth academy and am delighted Darren has signed a new
contract.
'He has developed into a top-class midfielder.'
Fletcher has now made 288 appearances, scoring 21 goals. He has
won three Barclays Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League
Cups, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Staying put: Scotland skipper Fletcher will stay at
Old Trafford for at least four more years
In addition, he is the current Scotland skipper, having
inherited the armband from Barry Ferguson.
Although a Celtic fan born in Dalkeith, Fletcher moved south in
his teens and was prevented from making his debut as a schoolboy
due to FA regulations.
He has never made any secret of his passion for the Red Devils
and is one of the players Ferguson will look to carry on the United
traditions once Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes have accompanied Gary
Neville into retirement.
'I take great pride in playing for Manchester United,' said
Fletcher.
'I have won many trophies in my years playing here and I am
looking forward to winning many more in the seasons to come. I
would like to thank everyone at the club.'