Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes the addition
of Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez can help the star-packed Old
Trafford squad challenge on all four fronts this season.
The Red Devils flexed their muscles on Wednesday by sending one
side to Belfast for a friendly with Glentoran and another team to
East End Park to play in Scott Thomson's testimonial, both matches
resulting in victory for the visitors.
Hargreaves made his second appearance in a red jersey since signing
from Bayern Munich at East End Park although Tevez's protracted
move from West Ham had not been finalised in time for him to
travel.
But Fletcher, 23, believes United are now ready for a tilt at the
Champions League, Barclays Premier League and the two domestic cup
competitions.
He said: "We've added to the squad, it's top quality and we have
the numbers to compete for everything this season.
"You can more or less play 11-a-side in training and it keeps
everyone sharp.
"Everyone is competing for their place and you know that if you get
a chance then you have to take it.
"The manager wants a selection headache. It's better that way than
struggling without enough players.
"And if you want to contend for the four trophies then we will need
a big squad because towards the end of the season you will pick up
injuries and suspensions
"Hargreaves looked great against Dunfermline. Obviously he has not
played as many games as he would have liked because he picked up a
little injury but he looks fit now and he is impressing
everyone.
"I'm sure once he gets used to the way we play, and the more games
he plays, he will be a big hit.
"Tevez can bring directness and excitement. He is a player that I'm
sure the fans at Old Trafford will love.
"Wayne Rooney and him are from a similar mould.
"You saw what he did for West Ham and he is going to be a great
addition to the squad.
"He likes to make things happen when he has got the ball, he also
has raw strength and he has the presence to handle the big
stage.
"He's also impressed in training and I'm sure he will impress the
fans as well."
The Scotland midfielder will play a pivotal role in the forthcoming
Euro 2008 double-header against Lithuania at Hampden and France in
Paris but the United star has his eyes firmly fixed fighting his
way in to the Old Trafford starting eleven, starting with Sunday's
Carling Premier League opener against Reading at home.
Fletcher said: "Scotland has a big double-header and these games
are important but my focus is on the beginning of the league with
Manchester United and I hope we get off to a good start.
"It is exciting. We want to retain our title.
"At a club like Manchester United that's what it is all about.
Winning the Premiership last season was a great achievement but
they want more and that's why it's great to be at a this
club."