Source: Team_Talk
Fergie: Fletcher is not destructive
Wenger was fuming at the physical nature of Fletcher's performance in a 2-1 defeat for the Gunners that deflated their early season optimism.[LNB]Although Arsenal came through that spell, and a heavy home defeat to Chelsea, to launch a credible challenge for the Premier League title, those harsh words about Fletcher have not been forgotten.[LNB]As he is calling for an end to the disgraceful taunts at Wenger from the United fans at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Ferguson has wisely resisted the temptation to launch a sustained attack on the Frenchman.[LNB]But he does think Wenger's analysis of Fletcher did not reflect well on his old adversary.[LNB]"That is where Arsene lets himself down," said Ferguson.[LNB]"What he said was disappointing and actually, I don't think he believes it for a minute.[LNB]"Everyone knows that Darren Fletcher is not a dirty player or a physical player. He is not built that way.[LNB]"But he can win the ball and his timing and energy to get to it is fantastic. You can't call that a fault.[LNB]"Being able to tackle properly is a great part of the game."[LNB]Watching his side unluckily lose their unbeaten run might have played a part in Wenger's tirade but it did scant justice to Fletcher's qualities.[LNB]Fletcher is now viewed as a key component of the side. His absence from last season's Champions League final after being harshly dismissed in the semi against Arsenal was cited as one of the major reasons why United failed to make any impact on Barcelona in Rome last May.[LNB]And, although Wayne Rooney hogged the headlines on Wednesday evening with the injury-time goal that secured a Manchester derby triumph and a Carling Cup final appearance, it was Fletcher who received the man-of-the-match award.[LNB]"I don't think Darren is destructive," said Ferguson.[LNB]"There are not many players who run off the ball as well as him in the game.[LNB]"His movement, energy and commitment are fantastic. It is wonderful to see a player achieving the level of endurance Darren can put into a match."[LNB]In fact, Ferguson can see a lot of comparisons with another under-rated Scot who was an integral member of his United revolution and is still very much part of the Red Devils fabric in his role as academy director.[LNB]"Darren reminds me of Brian McClair," said Ferguson.[LNB]"He was exactly the same. When the ball moved he moved.[LNB]"Darren is in the same mould because he must run more than anyone.[LNB]"His energy and awareness of space are excellent."[LNB]Ferguson backs up his view of Fletcher by naming the 25-year-old in his starting line-up for virtually all United's high-profile games.[LNB]Even though he covered the miles in midweek, it would be a surprise if the Dalkeith-born star was not called upon this weekend.[LNB]"There are not many big games Darren has not played in over the years," said the United boss.[LNB]"We have been saying how good he is for a while. Maybe it has taken longer for the fans to appreciate the qualities the boy has.[LNB]"There is nothing you can do about that. He is not a stylish player by any means. He is ungainly and gangly.[LNB]"But he is a fantastic player."[LNB]Fletcher has successfully overcome the terrace doubters, showing immense strength of character in the process.[LNB]However, in Ferguson's eyes, more important was his recovery from a major ankle injury right at the start of his career.[LNB]"When he was a young lad of 16 he was out of the game for two years with ankle problems," he recalled.[LNB]"It is not easy when you miss your formative years as an academy player here.[LNB]"But he has come through that to the level he is at now. That is the character he has shown."[LNB][LNB]
