Darren Fletcher believes United are on the brink of greatness,
and he is desperate to play his part in helping the Reds achieve
it.
Sir Alex Ferguson recently claimed that he now presides over the
strongest squad he has ever had at Old Trafford, and Fletcher says
the players are keen to live up to the United managers
expectations.
The club has a great tradition of winning trophies and the players
in this group want to make sure we show were capable of doing it
again, Fletcher said.
Thats the great thing about being at United. There are huge
expectations to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup
and League Cup. Thats what the players are here for, thats
certainly why Im here.
The Reds went agonisingly close to adding the FA Cup to last
seasons Premiership title. United were also one step away from
reaching the Champions League final, only to be stopped by the
eventual winners, AC Milan, who geared all the efforts on that one
competition.
Last year we were very unlucky, admits Fletcher. We lost in the
FA Cup final and against Milan in the Champions League semi final.
With a little bit of luck it could have gone differently. Now were
looking to use the experience of last year with the addition of
some new players to push on this season. There are exciting times
ahead at this club.
Personally, Fletcher has endured a tough season so far. His only
two starts this term have come in the Champions League, and he
looks set for a third against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. In a
squad game, however, patience is prerequisite.
My two starts have come in the Champions League, its a great
stage to play on. I want to play in every game, but weve got some
great midfielders at this club and their form has been good. The
manager has had a lot of decisions to make. You cant take out
players that are in good form. Ive also had one or two injuries at
the wrong time, perhaps when Id have been given chances. Fair play
to the likes of Anderson, he has been fantastic for someone so
young and so new to the club.
But its a long season and I just have to keep myself fit and take
every chance I get. We saw last season that injuries and
suspensions take their toll. We got to a point where we had 12 or
13 players in a team going for three trophies. I know my time will
come. Hopefully well be going for those three trophies again this
season and Ill play my part.
It could be a daunting task trying to force your way into two
central midfield positions with Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick,
Anderson and soon Paul Scholes all vying for places. But its a
challenge that Darren relishes.
You expect that challenge, he adds. Its competitive every day
in training. Were all striving to start matches, it brings out the
best in everyone. Competition is good for, you need to know theres
somebody on the bench that desperately wants to take your place.
And that can only be good for Manchester United.