Darren Fletcher has told his Manchester United team-mates it is
time to end the succession of draws that has halted their progress
this term.
Although much has been made of the 25-match unbeaten run that
stretches back to last season's title-losing reverse against
Chelsea, United have actually failed to win half their games in the
Premier League this term.
Their sixth draw of the campaign came in Wednesday's drab
Manchester derby.
Taken in isolation, the result was not too bad, particularly as
Sir Alex Ferguson's side dominated for long periods.
However, in a season when points were tossed away so meekly at
Fulham and Everton, it was a costly result that allowed Premier
League leaders Chelsea to re-establish a four-point cushion.
Fletcher accepts United need to make up for lost ground, and
views the trip to Aston Villa as the perfect place to start.
"People are talking about us not losing but we have drawn too
many, especially away from home," said the Scotland skipper.
"We have to start winning our away games if we want to push up
this league.
"You can't afford to draw too many games, otherwise you will get
left behind.
"Overall, you would be better winning two games out of three and
losing the other one rather than winning one and drawing two.
"That is why we were disappointed on Wednesday.
"We could have got the win and felt we produced a performance
good enough to get us one."
Fletcher is certainly right when he points to this fixture as
being one United should target.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men have not lost at Villa Park since that
famous 'you won't win anything with kids' defeat on the opening day
of the 1995-96 campaign.
Nine of the 14 Premier League visits since have been won and
when you include a succession of FA Cup semi-final successes, it is
easy to understand why the Red Devils view the famous Midlands
venue as one of their favourite places.
"It is a really good ground to play at," said Fletcher.
"It is a fantastic setting that has a good feel to it.
"The pitch is always good and every match seems like a big
occasion.
"You can't explain why you have a good record at some grounds
but not others but the important thing is not to take it for
granted.
"We can't just expect to win because it is Villa Park."
There are still a couple of players affected by the flu virus
that has swept round United's Carrington training complex over the
past fortnight but disruption should be nothing like that Ferguson
encountered when he was trying to select a side to face Wolves a
week ago.
Paul Scholes is suspended and young Brazilian defender Rafael
has been ruled out with a dead leg.
There is some good news of Patrice Evra, who returned to
training today after injuring his ankle against Manchester City and
is expected to be fit.
Fletcher claims he is feeling good too.
Gone are the days when the Scot was regarded as a bit-part
player at Old Trafford.
Now the 26-year-old is a senior figure, widely acknowledged as
one of the most effective midfielders in the top flight.
He has an impressive engine too and has racked up 16 appearances
already this term, 15 of them coming as a member of Ferguson's
starting line-up.
Only skipper Nemanja Vidic can match that, although even after
such a gruelling week, there are no complaints.
"I am coping fine and loving every minute," said Fletcher.
"I feel good and my energy levels are good. Because my
pre-season was uninterrupted, my fitness is high, so I have not had
a problem at all.
"You have to make a conscious effort to be sure your body is
ready for each game, but that is easier purely due to the medical
facilities we have at the training ground.
"Everyone loves playing and you are certainly not going to hear
any complaints from me about too many matches."