Its the same as it was this time last week, really, it is just easier for people to have a bit more perspective after a win. But if Fletcher keeps this up itll certainly make life easier in the second half of the season. Having Fellaini back and finding his feet will make a big difference as well, itll be nice to have some options in midfield for a change.
Darren Fletcher | 2013/14 Performances
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Its the same as it was this time last week, really, it is just easier for people to have a bit more perspective after a win. But if Fletcher keeps this up itll certainly make life easier in the second half of the season. Having Fellaini back and finding his feet will make a big difference as well, itll be nice to have some options in midfield for a change.
Fletcher played superbly on Saturday and glad to see him back. I honestly didn't give him a second thought this season, as I thought he was done for us and thought it was just a matter of time before he hung up his boots.
First name (along with Adnan of course) on that team sheet against Chelsea for me. The Chelsea game will be perfect for him and he thrives these type of matches. If he plays, he will be a thorn in Chelsea's side for sure.
First name (along with Adnan of course) on that team sheet against Chelsea for me. The Chelsea game will be perfect for him and he thrives these type of matches. If he plays, he will be a thorn in Chelsea's side for sure.
Yeah, it is amazing what one win can do for confidence. Even if it's at home against a struggling Swansea side. But you can definitely see what Moyes is looking to achieve and its good news for us. He's addressing the obvious weaknesses. If he sorts out our midfield, we'll be a hell of a side to stop further down the line.
Well we finally have a proper midfielder to partner Carrick, thanks goodness.
What an occasion Chelsea would be for Fletcher to get back on the score sheet, turning back time. He was always a big game player. I agree with Summit as well, as recently as last week when discussing our midfield in some thread or other I am ashamed to recollect I completely failed to even mention Fletcher's name, so long have I assumed he was finished. Going back a few summers when we were discussing the need to sign someone in midfield, when people mentioned "and then we have Fletcher coming back, (itll be like a new signing)" I have to admit I used to scoff. Miracles can happen, who knows maybe Anderson will get a start against Chelsea and run the show. Or maybe that is a bridge too far.
I thought he looked incredibly mobile in that second half - surprisingly so in fact. He was running around like a man possessed at times.
I wish he could somehow replicate and transfer his ability to not be a wimp to Cleverley...
If his return is permanent, he should absolutely be given the captain's armband. Always had the qualities for it but now with the added inspirational drive that's come with what he's had to go through.
I like Fletcher. But let's wait and see.
Also stripping Vidic off the captaincy is a no for me. He's not done anything wrong and it won't help contract negotiations.
Looking at what Moyes wants from our midfield and what Fletcher brought after such a long spell out, if we can land a big midfielder in the summer and a left back, it's a nice step in the right direction. Players in red are more the dream type of signing but even if not realistic it gives us some kind of sign into what direction Moyes is trying to take us in:
------------------------------------De Gea
Rafael-------------Smalling/Vidic--------Evans/New CB--------------Shaw
----------------Jones/Fellaini-----Carrick/Fletcher/Fabregas
------Januzaj/Nani----Rooney/Januzaj/Kagawa----Kagawa/Draxler----
-
--------------------------RvP/Welbeck/Hernandez
With Zaha hopefully able to stake a claim next year on the right or left.
------------------------------------De Gea
Rafael-------------Smalling/Vidic--------Evans/New CB--------------Shaw
----------------Jones/Fellaini-----Carrick/Fletcher/Fabregas
------Januzaj/Nani----Rooney/Januzaj/Kagawa----Kagawa/Draxler----
-
--------------------------RvP/Welbeck/Hernandez
With Zaha hopefully able to stake a claim next year on the right or left.
Thank God for Fletcher and the leadership he's showing this season. I honestly thought we should have been planning on moving forward without him, but he's made a positive impact on and off the field so far. One of the few veteran "Fergie-men" in the squad who has stepped up and attempted to turn things around.
He is doing the basics that a CM should be doing. That's how bad our CM situation is now - we are gushing someone with praise because he can pass, is calm in possession and is positionally adept.
That's all we ever wanted, though. Someone, apart from Carrick who can consistently do those things. Now at least, I'd say we only need one major midfield signing, instead of two.
Really? I don't think they're particularly special as a partnership to be honest. Currently better than anything else we can field, granted, but not the sort of midfield that's gunna worry the best.
Wonder what that partnership would yield in terms of goals and assists if played together for a whole season? Probably less than 5 goals between them and maybe marginally more assists?
Agree with that definitely. Given the way Jones has played in CM, Fletcher's return and the possible take off of Fellaini's United career (no laughing) we should be sorted for midfielders that like to do a bit of dirty work. What we need now is some real class. Someone that can dictate the play and get forward to score and assist from midfield.
Fancy that.... a midfielder that gets forward and scores/assists goals. We haven't had that player since Scholes about 8 years ago.
I vaguely remember us playing Villa away a few years ago, possibly 2009 or 2010, and we had a Fletch/Carrick combo, while Villa had two youngsters, possibly Bannan and someone else, I can't remember totally. Anyways, the two rang rings around Fletch and Carrick, and the forum was crying out for new blood in the centre, with the general consensus being that those two just didn't work as a combo. I think it was the match that we managed to scrape a draw from in the end (a Vidic header rings bells). But anyway, to fast forward 3/4 years and one career threatening illness later, and to still have those two as probably our best centre midfield combo really does show what an utter joke the midfield situation is and how far Fergie let it drift. People knew back in 2010 that things needed to change.
Yeh, I think it's a very decent pairing but the reaction to how they did in a game where the opposition had more than 65% of the ball at Old Trafford really does show just how dire our CM has been this season.
Stats are only half the story, of course. But you see what I mean.
Massive boost having him back. Ends the 'next captain' debate surely?
I don't know about next captain debate as hopefully we invest in top quality in midfield and that would probably limit his games. Not saying I don't want him playing or that he isn't good enough to match it with a top signing but I think there are probably better candidates going forward.
In saying that, he is captain material and would have no issue with him taking over from Vidic and Evra.
In saying that, he is captain material and would have no issue with him taking over from Vidic and Evra.
I love Fletcher. He represents United like no other player. My favorite player after Young.
Precisely.
I don't think we were ever going to get another 2 CMs... don't forget we bought Fellaini in the summer. (or maybe you wanted to forget we purchased him...)
Really?
Young is one of my favourite players too. He's an underdog with loads of ability but low confidence. He' a versatile team player who is suited to a faster style of play than we usually play.
Don't think just because the hysterical morons shout the loudest they represent everybody. We just can't be bothered most of the time, hence it's quite amusing when the Young detractors think their views are unopposed.
Don't think just because the hysterical morons shout the loudest they represent everybody. We just can't be bothered most of the time, hence it's quite amusing when the Young detractors think their views are unopposed.
Yeah. I like him. Humble and underrated.
I have no beef with Young. Just don't understand how he can be among favourites really. He isn't and has never been good enough to be a regular at a club as big as United. Handy player to have in the squad though.
I don't support players based on their ability but on their character. I'd rather follow a team of mediocre players with the right attitude than world-class players with no heart (City).
Which brings us nicely back onto the topic of Fletcher, whose determination embodies that of our club as a whole.
Which brings us nicely back onto the topic of Fletcher, whose determination embodies that of our club as a whole.
I'll criticise him as much as anyone should... to be fair he's only done it a few times but it's a few times too many.
What I don't like are the hypocrites who chastise him for it; if he was a better or more popular player I'm sure he would still be criticised but he certainly wouldn't be insulted in the horrendous ways Young has on here.
Sir Alex noted in his book that the diving had been removed from his game. It seems to have reappeared under Moyes but I'm certain Moyes will sort it out.
But of course I don't like it when any of our players dive.
What I don't like are the hypocrites who chastise him for it; if he was a better or more popular player I'm sure he would still be criticised but he certainly wouldn't be insulted in the horrendous ways Young has on here.
Sir Alex noted in his book that the diving had been removed from his game. It seems to have reappeared under Moyes but I'm certain Moyes will sort it out.
But of course I don't like it when any of our players dive.
Trudat.
Personally I've been encouraged by his brief appearances on the right this season. Would like to see him given a couple games there to see what he can do.
An interesting conversation in the Fletcher thread but going back a few years the conversation could easily have been about Fletcher (apart from the diving).
What a load of crap. If you want effort and work rate, watch Sunday league. We are Manchester United, effort and work rate goes without saying.
The very top talent and ability is what should be expected at Manchester United.
I'm not talking about effort or work rate. My favourite ever player is Berbatov, so I'm not interested in that. I'm talking about character, which is different.
So you like all the players that most fans like to hate on? I'm not sure whats so admirable about Berba's character to be honest... It's not like he's a very determined guy and always strived for better.
New banner.
So, if Fletcher scores they're going to run out onto the pitch?
Yes
No their going to leave the stadium in disgust.
A points deduction is exactly what we need right now.
Fair fecks to this man. From a career threatening illness to 120 minutes in central midfield - and still running harder then pretty much everyone else in the 120th minute.
I salute you Mr. Fletcher.
I salute you Mr. Fletcher.
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