Fletcher accepts criticism as part of
football
Darren Fletcher has shrugged off the critics who condemned him last
term, insisting taking flak is all part of being a Manchester
United player.
The Scotland international bore the brunt of fans' anger last term
when results started to go against the Old Trafford.
Forgetting the youngster's tender years, supporters targeted
Fletcher rather than looking for failing in others whose reputation
promised more than it actually delivered.
Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to defend the Edinburgh-born
midfielder on more than one occasion, even if he also admitted
Fletcher suffered a mid-season blip which coincided with United's
miserable early elimination from the Champions League.
Just as Ferguson suggested though, Fletcher appears to have matured
over the summer and while the 22-year-old cannot be yet regarded as
an integral part of United's first-choice line-up, his four
appearances so far this term have all been effective, including
Wednesday night's effort against Celtic.
'Taking criticism is part and parcel of football,' he said. 'What
you have to try to do is focus on your own game and improve.
'As a player, every season is important at this club. If players
stand still, so does the team. And Manchester United does not stand
still.
'I know there will be times when I do play, and others when I
don't.
'All I can do is try my best and hope to impress the
manager.'
