Fletcher slams United critics, insisting youngsters learn quick at Old Trafford

01 December 2009 11:17
Darren Fletcher believes one game for Manchester United is worth 10 a young player might get elsewhere as they continue their footballing education.   [LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson is set to keep faith with the youngsters defeated by Besiktas last week when Manchester United face Tottenham at Old Trafford in the Carling Cup quarter-final.   [LNB]It means teenage trio Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Rafael Da Silva will all be involved, as well as Darron Gibson and Gabriel Obertan, who have just 25 first-team appearances between them.   [LNB] Speaking from experience: Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Fletcher has developed into one of Sir Alex's key men at Old Trafford[LNB]The quintet know they could get more regular action elsewhere but, as someone who has been in that position, Fletcher feels they will learn more by staying where they are.[LNB]'A first-team game for Manchester United can mean the equivalent of playing 10 or 20 anywhere else. It is that big,' said the Scotland skipper. 'It is on so much of a higher scale.   [LNB] Tip for the top: Welbeck[LNB]Great expectations: Macheda[LNB] 'That was always echoed through the youth system and from my own experience I know it is true.   [LNB]'It is all very well training, and at a club like United you do pick up lots, but the more games these lads get, especially big matches like tonight's, the more they will learn. [LNB]'These players need games. They are an important part of the squad and will probably be needed later on in the season, so we will feel the benefit right through the club.'[LNB] Macheda and Welbeck set to lead United Cup attack against SpursUnited star Giggs up for BBC Sports Personality of the Year award at 36Gravy train: Big spenders are City and Chelsea as clubs pay £70m to agentsEXCLUSIVE: Romelu Lukaku - the teenage sensation wanted by Chelsea who they call the new Didier DrogbaEXCLUSIVE: Special offers for the Special One! Mourinho ready for returnTHE LIST: The best footballers to have never played in the World Cup - 40-31MANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail