Legendary French defender and former United centre-back Laurent
Blanc says he has been tracking Darren Fletcher's career after
being tipped off by Sir Alex Ferguson that the Scottish midfielder
would make the grade at Old Trafford.
Blanc was with United between 2001 and 2003, leaving a few months
after Fletcher made his debut against Basel in the Champions
League. Then aged 19, Fletcher is now 22 years old and regularly
involved in the first team at Old Trafford.
He is also an integral part of Walter Smith's Scotland squad, who
take on France in a Euro 2008 qualifier Park on Saturday. Blanc
knows Fletcher will be a key player, and one for Ramond Domenech's
side to look out for.
"I knew Darren when I was at Manchester, although he was just a
young kid," he said. "He was already training with the first team
and going away with us to games.
"One day, Sir Alex pulled me aside and said, 'See that young boy
there? He's going to be a great player for us.' I have followed his
career since and he has done very well to play for United every
week. I remember he had great ability and I'm delighted he plays
for Scotland."
Blanc doesn't have fond memories of Hampden Park, where the two
teams meet this weekend. He made his competitive international
debut there in 1989 in ScotlandÂ’s famous World Cup qualifier win,
which prevented France from reaching Italia '90.
"What a horrible night it was," he said. "The weather was certainly
on Scotland's side. This time, as long as it's not raining, we have
a chance!"
