FLETCH LIVES

Last updated : 22 October 2004 By Editor
Darren Fletcher hasn't had much of a look in so far this season. But is he having a Bellamyesque tantrum? No quite the opposite, he told the M.E.N.

"You have to be patient at a club like United,"

"I am just looking to get back, get a game and show what I can do. But I have to realise the manager is looking to play a settled team just now.

"I am fully behind the squad, I just have to train hard, wait for my chance and
show what I can do.

"I know I have a big part to play for United just now and even more so in the
future. I am confident enough to know I can do a good job."

He also thinks that the blend of youth and experience will have its say on how
well United perform in the future.

"There is so much experience in our dressing room. The older players have been there and done it," he said.

"They don't sit us down and lecture to us, but just being around them watching
how they handle things - that is the biggest part about learning from them.

"There are a few young players in the squad, but it is not as though there are two groups - old and young. Everyone is in it together.

"The squad has been reshaped over the last couple of years. We have a very
good balance now. We have got two or three older, experienced players who
lead the team but then you look down and the rest of the squad is young.

"Alan Smith is only 23. John O'Shea, Liam Miller, myself, Ronaldo, Eric Djemba
Djemba are all young and still learning our way in the game.

"It is leading to a natural progression. That is what the manager wants. When
players eventually do leave and retire, there will be a natural progression and
someone else will be there to take their place."