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24. DARREN FLETCHER
Birthdate: 01 Feb 1984
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Position: Midfielder
Appearances: 214
Goals: 13
Joined United: 03 Jul 2000
United Debut: 12 Mar 2003 v FC Basel (H)
International: Scotland
Darren Fletcher is a player for the big occasion. While other men might shirk from the responsibility presented to them in the heat of battle, the Scot thrives in such encounters.
This attitude was never more visibly displayed than in the 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal [in February 2008] in which he headed two goals. He set the standard for the team with his indefatigable running, hassling, closing down and tackling which denied the Gunners time and space to play their usual passing game.
“I enjoy the added pressure of the big games," admitted the midfielder, who scooped his second title medal in May 2008 and was an unused substitute in the Champions League final in Moscow. "The atmosphere’s always special and the crowd spur you on.”
In terms of recognition for his exertions and qualities, Fletcher's United career has been a slow burner. It is only with age, and with an ever-growing list of outstanding performances, that he has received due credit.
His United career almost got off to fairytale start when in May 2000, Fletcher was set to be included in the squad for the league trip to Villa Park, but FA rules – and his schoolboy status – denied him the chance.
He joined United officially as a trainee in July 2000, but injuries stymied his progress. He eventually made his debut against Basel in March 2003, but it was in the following season that Fletch made his mark, notching 35 appearances. By this stage, he was established as one of Scotland’s leading lights: he scored the solitary goal against Lithuania that earned a play-off for Euro 2004 and, later that season, aged 20, became Scotland’s youngest captain for 118 years.
The 2004/05 campaign brought Fletcher’s first goal for United, in a 2-0 win at Boro on New Year’s Day. His most famous strike to date was against Chelsea in November 2005 when he headed the goal that ended the champions’ 40-game unbeaten run. Subsequent seasons saw him used intermittently, but the trend of selecting him for the biggest, most important games indicated the high regard in which Sir Alex Ferguson holds his countryman.
That faith was displayed when, in October 2008. Darren signed a four-year contract extension. He admitted that just a few months earlier he had contemplated life away from Old Trafford, only for Sir Alex to field him regularly in the early stages of the 2008/09 season.
Fletcher struck up an energetic, dominant midfield partnership with Michael Carrick and began finding the net on a more regular basis, validating the judgement of his manager and finally yielding recognition from peers and supporters alike.
Heartbeakingly, Fletch's finest season with the Reds wasn't allowed a fitting finish. The Scot was harshly sent off in United's Champions League semi-final victory at Arsenal, which left him suspended for the final against Barcelona. That the Reds so clearly missed Darren's energy and drive in Rome spoke volumes for the midfielder's sky-rocketing importance to the cause.
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