Soccer News Info » darren fletcher

Fletcher swayed by Fergie’s words of wisdom

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:16:32 +0000

Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher has said he considered leaving Manchester United before a few timely words from coach Sir Alex Ferguson persuaded him to stay.

Fletcher’s soul-searching followed being left out of the 2008 Champions League final triumph over Chelsea and his failure to hold down a regular place in the Old Trafford Premier League starting lineup.

Several clubs were interested in him notably Birmingham, whose manager Alex McLeish knew Fletcher well from being manager of the Scottish national side and it just needed the player to take the initiative.

But Ferguson was determined to ensure that did not happen.

And how right that observation proved to be given Fletcher is now firmly established as one of the most effective midfielders in the Premier League.

“I was still having doubts because I was in a fairly strong position with only a year left to run on my contract,” Fletcher recalled in an interview for the official League Cup final programme.

“If there was a time to leave it would have been a good opportunity.

“But the manager came to me. The contract talk was put to one side and our discussion was mainly about playing time.

“He said there had been offers but he didn’t want me to go.

“I listened to what he had to say and just decided I did have a future at the club. Fortunately it turned out that way.”

It was the fear of leaving a club he had been with since school without showing his true abilities that eventually proved decisive for the Dalkeith-born star.

“Deep down I just wanted to show what I was capable of,” he said.

“It was never a case of going on to the pitch worried but maybe it wasn’t coming across on the pitch.

“I would have hated to leave having not shown people what I could do.

“That would have been a genuine disappointment, something I would have looked back on and regretted.

“That is what drove me on and what I want to keep maintaining now because I want to be here for the rest of my career and leave some sort of mark on the club.”

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

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Fletcher: next goal is decisive

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:39:49 +0000

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher says the first goal will be crucial in deciding the final winner of the Milan-Manchester United Champions League encounter. Manchester United won the first match 3-2 on Tuesday at the San Siro.

And Fletcher wants the Old Trafford men not to give the Italians any chance of a comeback by scoring first when the two sides battle again in the ties’ second-leg on March 10.

“The next goal is going to be crucial,” he said.

“We went to win the first leg and we’ve done that but it is still all to play for in the tie.

“We have seen the quality Milan have got in their side. They are capable of creating chances and scoring goals so we will have to be on top form to get through.”

Manchester United are now seeking to make it to Europe’s most prestigious club competition’s final for a third consecutive time by getting to Madrid on May 22.

“We were maybe a bit naive when we first came here but we have come a long way,” said Fletcher.

“As players you get more mature every season and pick up more experience. You learn how to cope with these sorts of situations.

“We need to maintain these standards in the Champions League though.

“It is no good resting on your laurels thinking you have made it because there are too many other teams with so much quality.”

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Protesting United fans need a reality check

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:14:50 +0000

Two European Cup finals in two years, three straight Premier League titles, a first ever win at AC Milan and yet Manchester United fans are not a happy bunch.

Before Tuesday’s 3-2 Champions League last 16 first leg win at the San Siro, a large group of United fans spent most of the afternoon swigging beer in Milan’s central square – Piazza Duomo.

Many of the songs were protests against owners the Glazer family, one chant in particular was horrifically gruesome.

Most of the fans were wearing anti-Glazer badges and wore yellow and green scarves – signifying their allegiance to Newton Heath, the 19th century club which became United. A more drastic protest came when the Americans first took over and disenchanted United fans set up their own club – FC United – in the semi-pro leagues.

But what have the Glazers done that is so bad? Yes the debts are high but they have hardly meddled at all in the running of the club (unlike other owners in Europe) and United have become even more successful under their rule.

Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to leave United for his dream at Real Madrid whether the Glazers were there or not. They did not force Alex Ferguson to sell and it appears the 80 million pounds from the sale was put into his transfer kitty. The boss decided not to spend all of it because the right players at the right price were not available.

It’s a long time since United were a club of “the working class” as some of the fans would like. Roy Keane’s famous prawn sandwich taunt, aimed at the London-based executive supporters, proved that.

But if the fans got fully behind the team, they would see that their two standout performers on Tuesday were the most down-to-earth lads you could meet.

Darren Fletcher might not get spotted in the street while Wayne Rooney is the most modest world player of the year contender you could find.

PHOTO: Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring against AC Milan during their Champions League soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan February 16, 2010. REUTERS/Giampiero Sposito

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Rooney double inspires United in Champions League

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:17:35 +0000

Wayne Rooney was the hero as Manchester United made AC Milan look old in a 3-2 win in the Champions League last 16 first leg clash here on Tuesday to record their first ever victory in the San Siro.

Rooney scored a brace as Milan’s old legs finally caught up with them as United came from behind to win at a canter until some late drama that saw United’s Michael Carrick dismissed in injury time for a second booking.

Ronaldinho gave Milan an early lead but after Paul Scholes’s fortuitous equaliser Sir Alex Ferguson’s side gradually took control and by the end they threatened to run up a cricket score.

Substitute Clarence Seedorf’s clever backheel finish from Ronaldinho’s cross five minutes from time was the only thing that gives the Italians hope for the second leg at Old Trafford.

Milan were off to a dream start, taking the lead after only three minutes and appropriately United old boy David Beckham was involved.

His free-kick into the box was only helped on by Patrice Evra and fell kindly to Ronaldinho at the back post who caught it on the volley and a wicked deflection off Carrick took it past a helpless Edwin van der Sar.

That seemed to unsettle United and give Milan wings and on seven minutes Pato broke through the middle and fed Ronaldinho to his left but Van der Sar saved his low shot.

AC Milan were bossing the early action and a surging run from the back from Thiago Silva saw him slip in Luca Antonini on the overlap but he shot wide of the near post.

Ronladinho then tried to win a penalty as he ran at Rio Ferdinand but the referee waved the appeals away.

Rooney finally created a half chance on the edge of the box for the visitors on 19 minutes when he made a yard of space but fired wide with his left foot.

United were rocking again on 34 minutes, though, after a sloppy pass from Jonny Evans allowed Massimo Ambrosini to play in Klaas-Jan Huntelaar but his rasping low drive fizzed just wide.

And then, out of nothing United were level on 36 minutes.

If Milan’s opener owed something to luck, United’s equaliser was no more lacking in that department.

Darren Fletcher crossed from the right for Scholes arriving in the box but he missed with his swinging right foot and the ball hit his standing left leg, spun beyond Dida and trickled in off the post.

Milan almost caught United napping again three minutes into the second period as Pato stole in unchecked onto Giuseppe Favalli’s deep cross but the young Brazilian headed over.

United started to get a foothold in the game with Rooney coming to the fore, seeing one shot deflected for a corner and hitting a volley wide before Van der Sar had to tip away a curling Ronaldinho effort.

Nani was having one of his more erratic days and Ferguson replaced him with Anotnio Valencia halfway through the second period, a move that bore fruit within a minute as the Ecuador flyer got to the byline and crossed for Rooney at the back post to flick a floating header over Dida for his 25th goal of the season.

United were now content to hit Milan on the counter and Rooney flashed a shot just wide on 73 minutes but a minute later he ran onto Fletcher’s dink into the box past a static defence to head easily past Dida.

United were cruising until a late lapse allowed in Seedorf, who had replaced Beckham, to lift the crowd and give the visitors a nervous last few minutes.

ROME (AFP)

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Quick Report: Milan 2-3 Manchester United

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:15:04 +0000

Manchester United have one leg in the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League following a Wayne Rooney-inspired 2-3 win at AC Milan on Tuesday.

The opening goal at San Siro came after only three minutes. A shot from Brazilian play-maker Ronaldinho was deflected by Michael Carrick, leaving keeper Van der Sar without a chance to make the save.

United equalised in the 36th minute however as a cross from Darren Fletcher allows Paul Scholes to convert near the goal. The midfielder intended to hit the ball with his right foot but accidentally scored with his left.

Ronaldinho almost restored Milan’s lead on the hour mark when the midfielder forced Van der Sar to stretch and make the save.

Six minutes later, it was United to go ahead through Wayne Rooney. The international striker was well positioned to head home from an Antonio Valencia cross.

Eight minutes later, Rooney added a second to set the score to 1-3. This time it was Fletcher to deliver the cross that allowed the forward to head past Dida for a more comfortable lead.

Milan would not give up however and substitute Clarence Seedorf pulled one back with five minutes to go. Ronaldinho sent in a low cross and Seedorf’s flick went past Van der Sar to make it 2-3.

The visitors did have Michael Carrick sent off in the 93rd minute but that could not keep them from winning the game and giving themselves a great starting position for the second leg, at Old Trafford.

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Fergie expects tough challenge from Milan

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:48:42 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson expects a more tough challenge from Milan and he still believes they are the biggest danger to Manchester United’s hopes of reclaiming the trophy.

”I watched the Milan derby and Inter played fantastic,” said Ferguson. ”They were very good on that night and there has been a big improvement with them, AC Milan have experience of big games too and we have to be cautious how we approach this game, so I would say there is an improvement in the Italian sides.”

Ferguson, however, still backs the Spanish sides to put up the biggest challenge and Barcelona in particular.

”Milan had their dominance with people like (Paolo) Maldini and (Franco) Baresi, then, at the start of the decade, Valencia, Real and Barca were all in the semis,” he said.

”In recent years English teams have done well and got to a lot of semi-finals and finals. But you have to go with Barcelona. They have the experience of winning it last year and they are top of their own league too. You cannot write off a team with all that quality.” Fergie added.

He also believes it is good time to take AC Milan, are a different side since the departure of Kaka, who had shown wonderful performance at San Siro against Red Devils and is in confident mood Manchester United can overcome the Italian giants in the Champions League. Beckham against his side for the first time is a good plot line, although probably not the key story of today evening’s drama. That could be Star Rooney versus Alessandro Nesta, Darren Fletcher versus Andrea Pirlo, even Patrice Evra against Pato

He added: “Our expectations are high. They always are with our good players and good team. Milan have excellent footballers, five or six have maybe won the European Cup twice, but we have experience too.”

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Who needs Ronaldo when Nani plays like that?

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:30:09 +0000

Has Alex Ferguson got lucky or did he see something in Nani that nobody else could?

The Scot has always stood by the Manchester United winger despite his extremely unfavorable comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo and on Sunday against Arsenal all the pieces appeared to fall into place for a player who has flattered to deceive.

Nani’s bamboozling dribble was too much for Arsenal defence as United went in front at The Emirates. The Portuguese then displayed perfect timing and weight of pass to slide the ball though for the marauding Wayne Rooney that effectively settled the game as they went on to win 3-1.

Rooney has been incredible this season, carrying United when they have not played well. But Nani’s contribution as the spark around the solid midfield platform of Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes could be just the injection of firepower that will carry United to a 19th league title.

Nani will never score the goals that Ronaldo managed at Old Trafford but his performances in recent weeks suggest that he finally believes that he belongs in a United shirt. The way he tied Gael Clichy, one of the best fullbacks in Europe, in knots on Sunday bodes well for United.

Nani was eventually replaced by Dimitar Berbatov with a minute to go at Arsenal and received the acclaim of the visiting fans who may just have witnessed the coming of age of another Old Trafford hero.

PHOTO: Manchester United’s Nani celebrates after scoring a goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London January 31, 2010. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

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Fergie hits out at Wenger over Fletcher criticism

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:15:14 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Arsene Wenger “has let himself” down over comments the Arsenal manager has made about Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.

Ferguson described Fletcher as one of the best players in the world on Wednesday after his commanding performance helped United squeeze past Manchester City into the League Cup final after a dramatic 3-1 semi-final second leg win at Old Trafford.

But while the United manager is clearly a huge fan of Fletcher, Wenger is most certainly not.

After losing 2-1 to United at Old Trafford earlier this season, Wenger – angered by Fletcher’s fiesty tackling – claimed he was little more than a bully who played “anti-football”.

Ferguson has taken exception to that opinion and has questioned whether Wenger even believes it himself.

“I think that’s where Arsene lets himself down,” Ferguson said. “Everyone knows that Darren Fletcher is not a dirty player, not a physical player, not built that way, but he can win the ball because his timing and energy to get to the ball is fantastic.

“You can’t call that a fault. That’s a great part of the game, being able to tackle properly and he does tackle properly.

“It’s disappointing. I don’t think Arsene really believes that.”

United visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to face Wenger’s side with the race for the Premier League title as tense as ever.

United are currently in second position with 50 points with Arsenal just a single point and place behind them. As a result, Ferguson knows he will need his big players to put in a performance and he is backing Fletcher to come out on top.

“He’s competitive and there’s not many players who run off the ball as well as him,” he added.

“His movement, energy and commitment in every game is wonderful to see.

“There’s not been many big games that he has not played in over the last couple of years and it had maybe taken a while for the fans and press to appreciate what the boy has.

“And there is little you can do about that because he is not stylish player by any means, he is ungainly and gangly but he is a fantastic player.”

Ferguson has recently been employing a single striker in his formation, with Wayne Rooney being tasked to fill that position.

Before this season began, concerns were raised as to whether Rooney could play as an out and out forward but 21 goals so far this season, including five in the last two, has comprehensively answered that question.

And Ferguson is now backing the 24-year-old to continue to prove that he is one of the most influential players in European football.

“There are periods where players hit great form,” Ferguson added “Wayne has hit that great form now. He wasn’t playing as well as that a few months ago.

“His form has increased. I thought Wednesday was an indication of the improvement from Wayne. In the last few weeks he has come on great.”

MANCHESTER, England (AFP)

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Ferguson escapes FA action over referee rant

admin — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:24:03 +0000

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not face disciplinary action over his latest critcisms of a referee, the Football Association (FA) announced Tuesday.

Ferguson was furious with Mark Clattenburg for sending-off Darren Fletcher during English champions United’s 1-1 draw away to Birmingham City on Sunday.

Afterwards the Scot suggested Clattenburg had been inconsistent this season but the FA, England’s governing body, have decided his remarks did not mean he was alleging bias or questioning the official’s integrity.

“No action will be taken in relation to Sir Alex Ferguson,” an FA spookesman said Tuesday.

As a result, the FA have not activated the two-match suspended sentence hanging over Ferguson for criticising referee Alan Wiley’s fitness earlier this season, for which he was initially punished with a two-match touchline ban.

Scotland midfielder Fletcher was dismissed for two yellow card offences and after the match at St Andrews an irate Ferguson said: “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve not seen a softer sending-off for a long time. It is ridiculous.

“That referee did the Arsenal-Tottenham game earlier in the season and you needed to hit someone with an axe before he booked anyone in that game.”

“There were some wonderful and weird decisions tonight.”

LONDON (AFP)

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Berbatov may need surgery

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:24:20 +0000

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Dimitar Berbatov may have to undergo an operation on his knee. Berbatov could face an extended spell on the sidelines.

Berbatov was not named in the squad as Manchester United drew 1-1 at Birmingham in the Premier League on Saturday evening, and Ferguson says the striker could stay on the injury list for a while.

“Dimitar wanted to play with it but we felt we should try to get it (the knee) sorted and get him fit again,” Ferguson said. “He may have to have an exploratory operation.”

In Berbatov’s absence, Mame Biram Diouf made his debut for the club as an 81st minute substitute but, with Darren Fletcher having been shown a red car.

Ferguson admits it was difficult for the 22-year-old as Wayne Rooney dropped back into midfield.

“I’d hoped to put Diouf up front with Wayne,” he said. “We know he can play alongside someone but to play on his own in his first game was difficult for him.”

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