There is an element of speculation over which position
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will bolster first this
summer. With Owen Hargreaves' long-term
injury jeopardising his career, the Scot could
recruit in central midfield, but Darren Fletcher is hoping that his
ball-winning and hard-running performances this season have
convinced his boss that he is the man for a starring role.
Fletcher has been a pivotal player for United this season. Often
the unsung hero, he has enjoyed a turnaround in acclaim as his
absence from the Champions League final was telling. Fletcher's
positional sense, and ability to stifle danger swiftly and
efficiently, before moving the ball forward have been sterling this
campaign, but the player credits his self-improvement to his
continued appearances in Ferguson's first-team.
"I've always believed in my ability," he told The
Manchester Evening News. "It is difficult when you are a
young player coming through at Manchester United. You are
surrounded by top midfielders - Roy Keane, Nicky Butt and Paul
Scholes.
"When my chances came it was in the wide right area and that wasn't
a natural position for me. But this season I've had a long run in
central midfield and my game has improved because of that.
"I am a central midfielder and that's where I want to be, I enjoy
playing there and it brings out the best in me."
Fletcher continued, "With a run of games your performances improve
and it is as simple as that. Sometimes you can go, in previous
seasons, six weeks, eight weeks and then have to come in and
perform. It is difficult.
"But when you get a run of games playing Saturday and Wednesday,
your form improves, your touch is there and everything about your
game is at it's top level because it has to be. Your performances
improve."
On the subject of his critics he said, "There are always doubters
in football, even if you have a good season. It is part and parcel
of football. You've just got to hope that your teammates and the
manager appreciate you.
"That's all you've got to do. Obviously it is nice to get
recognition from other places, but as long as your manager
appreciates you and your fellow players know what job you are
doing, that is all any player can ask.
"As long as the lads know I am doing my job, the things that go
unnoticed and are unseen by the fans. As long as the staff and the
manager know, that is fine by me."