FLETCHER WANTS TO STEP UP

“Things went so well at the end of last season that I didn't
want it to end. But I knew I had to take a rest so I could
come back even stronger. The manager and the players said I
did well when I played in the first-team last season but I'm
not going to think that just because I've played in a
Champions League match I'm going to be in there all the
time.

“You've got to be patient, apply yourself and show a good
attitude in the reserves but I think I can do better given
the chance. John O'Shea was one of the best players for the
first team last year, if not the best. It just shows you
that if you are good enough and show the right attitude in
training, the manager will give you a chance.

"When I considered joining United and saw all the great
players they had, I thought I may not get an opportunity.
But I was invited to the manager's house with my dad and he
reassured me by saying that if you are good enough you'll
get your chance. That was all I wanted to here."

Fergie also hinted that Darren’s time may have come:

“He has stopped growing now, which is a good thing. Over the
next year he should start to fill out and become a more
substantial player. On the couple of occasions he made the
first-team last season, Darren did well. But you have to
remember he has been out for almost two years and he can
improve a lot.”