Darren Fletcher perhaps has more reason than most to be
fired up for Sunday’s visit to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
It was, of course, the scene of the 'crime' of his
unfair dismissal in the Champions League semi-final against the
Gunners last year, which meant United were shorn of his
considerable talents in the final against Barcelona.
Then, earlier this season after United’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at
Old Trafford, Arsene Wenger’s ‘anti-football’ jibe must have stuck
in the throat for a player whose honesty is as obvious as his
endeavour. But Sir Alex Ferguson refuses to accept either incident
will fuel the fire of his combative midfield enforcer.
Asked if his fellow Scot, who over the last three seasons has
matured into one of the finest and now most-respected midfielders
in the Premier League, was effective as a destructive force, Sir
Alex took exception.
“I wouldn’t say he was destructive,” said the boss. “He’s
competitive. And it’s maybe taken a while for the fans and the
press to appreciate the qualities the boy has. There is nothing you
can do about that because he’s not a stylish player by any manner
or means. He’s ungainly, he’s gangly. But he’s a fantastic
player.
Fletcher’s more subtle qualities have come to the fore in the
current team, so much so that he is now considered to be one of the
key components of the side. Sir Alex explains why: "He shows great
movement, energy and commitment in every game, and it’s wonderful
to see the level of endurance he can put into a match. He must run
more than anyone.
”I don’t think there are many players who run off the ball as
well as him. When we get the ball, he moves. He reminds me a lot of
Brian McClair in that way. Brian was exactly the same. When the
ball moved, he moved. And he was a fantastic player for us that
way. Darren is in the same mould in terms of his energy and his
awareness of space. But we’ve been saying that for a while. There
are not many big games that Darren hasn’t played in."
Sir Alex feels Fletcher’s desire on the pitch is rooted in his
determination to succeed, a quality that shone during a spate of
injuries as a developing young player in United’s youth team, and
also when he’d broken into the first-team and people were yet to
recognise or admire his talents.
“Where he showed his character was when he was a young lad at 16
and he was out for two years with ankle injuries. It’s not easy
when you miss your formative years as an Academy player. He’s come
through that to the level he is at now. That’s where his character
has shown. He always wanted to be a player.”
Arsenal can expect a fired-up Fletcher on Sunday, but the United
no.24’s motivation comes from his insatiable determination to
succeed, not to gain revenge or prove anyone wrong. To the
doubters, he’s already done that.