To put things in perspective Darren Fletcher is the only player in the playing squad other than Wayne Rooney who has won a FA Cup trophy at Manchester United. Red Devils last FA Cup triumph came way back in 2004 and Fletcher has been involved at the club for more than a decade. He has been one of the most loyal servants of the club who has never been in the limelight but has quietly gone about his work. This is one of the reasons the Scot was highly regarded by Sir Alex and the club also stood by the last three injury marred season for the midfielder.
Darren Fletcher joined Manchester United as an 11 year old boy and thereafter has gone on to play at the highest level for the club. For a club of the size of Manchester United we always hear the youth players going elsewhere to play. Darren Fletcher was a prime example of one who made the cut at every level as and when required. Initially tipped to make his debut before 2000, the League stipulations and a string of injuries halted his entry; however he became a regular player in the team since 2003 onwards. His limited ability was always questioned however whenever given an opportunity he proved that he was one of the better central midfielders available at Manchester United. With the likes of Carrick, Anderson, Hargreaves coming to United, Fletcher appearances were scattered throughout his stint at Manchester United.
He was finally believed to cement his place in the Manchester United squad in 2009-10 seasons and did make 30 appearances for the side in the league. However as his career had always been influenced by external factors he was sidelined due to illness with only 11 league appearances between 2011-13. Under Louis Van Gaal it was expected he will play a larger role however with Superstars coming in the side his role has again been marginalized.
With him turning 31 next week he can still look for more game time at other teams and there have been concrete enquiries from the likes of Valencia, West Ham United, West Brom and Celtic. It is likely that the Scot will call it a day before this transfer window closes after spending his entire professional career at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher is a prime example of someone who always played in his team’s interest and he is certain to bag a role at Manchester United once he retires as a Professional Footballer and a fit Fletcher will surely be a significant value addition to any team he joins on his exit from the Theatre of Dreams.
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