Up for the battle: Darren Fletcher in action
against West Bromwich on Saturday
Manchester United star Darren Fletcher admits the Reds
are prepared for a tough battle against Stoke on Tuesday
night.
Tony Pulis's Stoke side are likely to provide the toughest of
opposition for United, who have already played three games over the
festive period.
'We know what to expect from Stoke,' Fletcher told Manchester
United's website.
'They’ve really consolidated themselves as a Premier League side
and Tony Pulis has done a great job. You know you’re in for a
battle when you play Stoke and you have to win that battle and earn
the right to play.
“It’s going to be a difficult game. We experienced that at the
Britannia and we’re expecting more of the same at Old Trafford.
They always have a go. They look at home in the Premier League now
and they know what it’s all about.
'They have some players who like to attack and Tony Pulis
doesn’t like his side to sit back. We expect them to come and have
a go at us, as most teams have done at Old Trafford this
season.'
Stoke are known for their direct approach, but Fletcher insisted
they could also play some good football.
Heading for victory: Hernandez scores during
United's win at Stoke back in October
'Stoke have some good footballers in their side,' he
said. 'Etherington and Pennant in the wide positions like to get at
you and dribble. They’ve definitely got options.
'They can go direct if they want to but they also have some good
footballers up front, players like Ricardo Fuller and Tuncay, who
like the ball to their feet and can play some good stuff on the
ground.
'You know Stoke will be physical at times because they lump
free-kicks and long throw-ins into the box but we can’t neglect the
other ways they can cause problems. It’s important you defend as a
team and that starts with the front players.
'Our defensive performances have been very good and we’ll do our
homework and prepare for Stoke’s threat. We know they’ll be a
danger from set-pieces – they’re a big, strong, physical side, so
we’ll have to match them and make sure we’re on our toes.'
