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Darren Fletcher's Old Trafford Days Are Numbered

A lot has been said about Darren Fletcher’s ‘Gary Neville v West Brom’ moment in recent weeks and after several poor performances this season it appears the Scot’s Old Trafford days are numbered. In what was only the midfielder’s fifth start of the campaign United struggled to overcome League One relegation contenders Yeovil Town, it was a game many thought the 30-year-old may be able to have an impact on but unfortunately this was not the case.

It has been a rocky road for the United man, having spent almost 2 years on the sidelines suffering from a chronic illness Fletcher showed amazing tenacity and character to make an astounding recovery and return to the first-team last season. The odds were against him, to rediscover his old form would have been impossible but the player has thrived on that underdog status in the past, transforming his reputation from scapegoat to instrumental, key player. United fans can be forgiven for believing he may be capable of a repeating a similar feat again.


Sadly since his return to action, especially this season, Fletcher has seemingly lost his ability to influence a game. His obvious lack of physical attributes isn’t helped by his loss of footballing ability, it is impossible to dictate tempo if you can’t control the ball and pick a pass quickly enough. A loss of pace has taken away the work rate which could otherwise have perhaps saved his grace and no matter the opposition this term Fletcher has looked out of his depth.

Where the player goes from here is anyone’s guess but unless Louis van Gaal is seeing something the majority of  spectators aren’t it looks likely he’ll be allowed to leave on a free when his contract expires in May. Chances of a move to another Premier League side seem remote and the Championship is just too physical for a player in Fletcher’s boat. Perhaps we could see another Scot joining David Moyes in Spain?


Once in-line to become Manchester United’s youngest ever player, Darren Fletcher may well be the club’s greatest youth product since The Class of ’92 and had a red card not kept him out of the 2009 Champions League Final against Barcelona he may have held the key to the club’s 4th European title, 10-years after Fergie’s Fledglings brought home the second from the Camp Nou.

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By Joel Downings

Joel is a 23-year-old United fan currently studying for a degree in Football Business, he has an ear for obscure rap music and eyes for Alexa Chung.

5 replies on “Darren Fletcher's Old Trafford Days Are Numbered”

very upset with v.gaal by letting chicharito go! i think united all tradition promoting youngster into first team is over. becoz ben amos leaving also.

The Van Gal philosophy is,nt really working from the back and midfield.It,s ok to be good at possession but United need to be quicker getting the ball up the park.Instead of all the the back passing waiting for a quick burst .They do not have the players Barca has and even with them it,s not working.Fletcher has had his day and has to go and United need a driver at the back and midfield and say addios to Falcao if he does,nt improve alonside VanP.The problem is they are not getting fed from the middle.Young has to Work like a horse and Rooney goes missing in the middle..

Sadly, Darren Fletcher’s debilitating illness has left its mark on him; he is a shadow of his former self and should be released.

United needs greater penetration in its attacking play and this can come from more pace, sharpness and mobility. The ones who provide it are Di Maria, Wilson, Januzaj and Herrera. Di Maria and Herrera are the only two regular starters (injuries not withstanding). Wilson and Januzaj should replace Falcao and Mata, bringing extra energy and flair.

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