Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Ferguson: Fletcher stay crucial

29 Oct 2008 - 07:36:29

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the signing of midfielder Darren Fletcher to a new four-year contract as his best bit of business of the summer.

The 24-year-old Scotland international penned a fresh four-year deal at the start of the new campaign, having considered leaving Old Trafford in search of a more regular starting spot.

Ferguson told reporters: "The relief of the season was to get Darren a new contract because there were a lot of clubs trying to buy him.

"He had one year left, but he wanted more football. Leaving could easily have been a consideration simply because with Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Anderson there is so much competition.

"I just felt Darren is a United player. He is outstanding in big games, when he always does such a great job.

"I told him he had been brought up at this club and, after January he had been playing in all the big games until he got an injury and not to forget he came back and played some more.

"It convinced him to stay, which was what we wanted because now he is such an important player for us.

"He has developed his game and taken it to a new level."