I have this mad theory LVG will revitalize his career by converting him into a right back.
Darren Fletcher | 2013/14 Performances
- Thread starter Fiskey
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We'll see. If his UC is a variant with no symptoms beyond the colon (a reasonable chance this is the case) then the operation he underwent will have been curative and he's starting this pre-season in the same physical shape as any other footballer his age. Bearing in mind the type of person he is (teetotal, workaholic) I don't see why he should be written off at such a relatively young age.
Please no
I watched some highlights recently of games in 09 and it reminded me how ridiculously good he was. Ran for days, tackled more than anyone, played the short passing game so well, made clever runs, scored the odd goal and was deceptively good in the air. What a player.
His entire game revolves around energy and stamina, much of which he seems to have lost, which is a massive shame. With his illness and at the age of 30 it seems impossible, but an in form Fletch would be an absolutely massive player for us.
His entire game revolves around energy and stamina, much of which he seems to have lost, which is a massive shame. With his illness and at the age of 30 it seems impossible, but an in form Fletch would be an absolutely massive player for us.
Still my favourite current United player. Cliché, but comes across as the ultimate professional and a true United fan.
Sounds like Herrera.
Does not look at the ball during shooting practice
I think he'll be retained, as we are seriously lacking on senior players and more importantly leadership. Aside from Fletcher we only have four players in van Persie, Rooney, Evans and Carrick who meet that criteria and their are question marks over all of those players leadership qualities too.
I seriously doubt he'll have an integral role in the playing side of things next season and I think he will be fifth choice midfielder - going off the assumption he stays - but he's a well-respected figure in the dressing room and a good influence for the younger players, which should secure his position here. Perhaps the need for him is heightened with Rio, Evra and Vidic all leaving and while van Gaal is contemplating who to assign captain, Fletcher might be chosen temporarily over the duration of the tour.
I seriously doubt he'll have an integral role in the playing side of things next season and I think he will be fifth choice midfielder - going off the assumption he stays - but he's a well-respected figure in the dressing room and a good influence for the younger players, which should secure his position here. Perhaps the need for him is heightened with Rio, Evra and Vidic all leaving and while van Gaal is contemplating who to assign captain, Fletcher might be chosen temporarily over the duration of the tour.
Thought he worked really well in the back in the second half. You could see him taking care of the inexperience around him and did a fantastic job. I can see he would have an important role in Van Gaal's plans, especially in the three CB system. Wish him all the luck in the world.
Aye he deserves a slice of luck, would be fantastic if he found a new lease of life in a new position at this stage.
An exciting 7 nil win under our new manager with a homegrown player selected as captain, A footballer who is doing his best* to get back to his best after a debilitating illness and one of only 2 players to last the full 90 minutes yet he merits a grand total of 2 posts on redcafe. The first of them over 6 hours after the game ended.
I sometimes think a lot of caftards are actively hoping he would just go away and never pull on a United shirt again. Shame on you, redcafe. Delighted to see that Van Gaal apparently rates him higher than many on here.
*actually typed "busting a gut" first but realised that would be in very bad taste!
I sometimes think a lot of caftards are actively hoping he would just go away and never pull on a United shirt again. Shame on you, redcafe. Delighted to see that Van Gaal apparently rates him higher than many on here.
*actually typed "busting a gut" first but realised that would be in very bad taste!
Most people are probably spending half their time on here in the Herrera thread tbf.
Playing in the back he was fine, mostly because the Galaxy provided nothing in attack. I thought he was decent but he shouldn't be a starter for us anymore.
I haven't watched the game (yet) so haven't been able to comment on any performances but it's a shame that it took so long for anyone to even write a single post about his contribution. Picking him as captain was a significant gesture by Van Gaal. I seriously doubt he'd do that for a player who wasn't looking the part in training so there's every reason to be optimisti about Fletch in the season ahead.
Lets see how he does when we actually don't face Mickey Mouse opposition because he was diabolical at times towards the end of last season and it hurt to watch him play. If he continues like that then this is not the place for him, regardless of what he has been through over the last few years
Fletch played well last night I thought. But let's not forget the opposition.
He'll be a good squad player next season, nothing more.
He'll be a good squad player next season, nothing more.
Credit to him to last the full ninety, particularly following the humidity of LA and the intense double sessions the players have had to endure, but it was an easy game for him, even with a long-term debilitating illness in mind. He did well enough, but he wasn't really tested at all and played alongside Herrera who single-handedly dominated the midfield at times. Very comfortable game for him.
He certainly should have a future here though. One of my posts a bit further up states why, so I'm not going to go into detail, but his future should be secured with the lack of senior players and leadership in the squad in mind.
For sure. Although that should only happen if he can also contribute on the pitch. Which I think he can do. Very hard to be at your best when you've been out as long as he was and didn't participate in pre-season. Should be a different player this time round.
If we can't get a player like Hummels maybe playing at the center of the back 3 will be Fletcher's best role, I don't think he has the legs to play in midfield in the PL now.
Didn't see it last night and i certainly dont see it moving forward. He's in the side on sentiment alone and our lack of options. Great guy no doubt and before the illness he could do job, i don't think he can any more in the premier league.
Finally watched the full game last night. Have to say I was delighted to see fletcher play so well.
Obviously hererra was the outstanding player in mf, but I thought what I saw from fletch was very encouraging. Athletic, controlled, sensible with the ball. He showed a couple of glimpses last season, but last night was a full 90 minutes of that form. Clearly LA Galaxy weren't much of a test, but he did what he needed to do.
The only question is whether he can truly get his fitness back. The illness is gone, but for a peak athlete to be so stop start for about three years can't be easy.
I doubt that the box to box player that he (weirdly) turned into at his peak circa 2008-2010 will return. But I really think that we should see him as a viable CM choice for this season. Not one that means we can avoid buying another CM, but certainly a solid squad option.
Obviously hererra was the outstanding player in mf, but I thought what I saw from fletch was very encouraging. Athletic, controlled, sensible with the ball. He showed a couple of glimpses last season, but last night was a full 90 minutes of that form. Clearly LA Galaxy weren't much of a test, but he did what he needed to do.
The only question is whether he can truly get his fitness back. The illness is gone, but for a peak athlete to be so stop start for about three years can't be easy.
I doubt that the box to box player that he (weirdly) turned into at his peak circa 2008-2010 will return. But I really think that we should see him as a viable CM choice for this season. Not one that means we can avoid buying another CM, but certainly a solid squad option.
I agree. He would be good as a more defensive midfielder who uses his energy in spurts to win the ball back and then use his relatively simple passing game to knock it on to others. He could be effective in that role. I can't see him being able to be the box to box like he was, which you mentioned.
I believe, with a change in role, he can still contribute. Remember last season he returned mid season. So this season will be his proper comeback.
He had some sloppy moments but i really liked how he connected with Herrera playing quick passes and kept the ball moving and never slowed it down.
Reckon in the holding role, he needs to screen better and be a bit careful in possession sometimes though but looked much better yesterday.
Reckon in the holding role, he needs to screen better and be a bit careful in possession sometimes though but looked much better yesterday.
Yep to me he still seems too skinny and weak. A few times somebody managed to push him around and win the ball back. I think he is fine on the ball and has good movement to receive a pass, but I would rather have Carrick playing that role. It's a real shame he got injured.
Same here. And agree with everything you said there.
To quote Ian Herbert from the Indo: "The passing was fast and slick in Pasadena and we saw what a good technician Darren Fletcher is."
As a human being, it’s good to see Fletcher back to health. From a professional point of view and sportsman on Manchester United’s books earning £80,000 a week, he is deadweight as dead weight comes, not only how much he earns the little time he plays, but how not very good he is when he does play.
It’s time to acknowledge Fletcher is not good enough and a Darren Fletcher on the pitch in a Manchester United 11 is not a positive.
I just do not know how he escapes criticism or peoples lists when people talk of Manchester United’s deadweight and players who should be shipped out.
It’s time to acknowledge Fletcher is not good enough and a Darren Fletcher on the pitch in a Manchester United 11 is not a positive.
I just do not know how he escapes criticism or peoples lists when people talk of Manchester United’s deadweight and players who should be shipped out.
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With the kind of football we look to play in future, I'm not sure his playing style still fits in. Nevertheless, it is great to see him back and I hope he plays for a good PL team should it not work out at United
That's harsh.
Yes, we have problems in midfield and we need serious investment but that doesn't mean Fletcher isn't good enough for United. Ok, he isn't a big name, he isn't a world class player but he is good enough for Manchester United, he has proved that. Imagine having Fellaini ahead of him. I am in no way saying we should be starting Fletcher but he definetly has a role to play, his experience will be key throughout the season.
One thing LvG is a master at is finding other roles for players. He did it at Bayern & Barca so why not at United. Fletch would be ideal for a CDM role.
People might think that will sound harsh for what he's been through, but end of the day £10m-£12m in wages as gone into his bank in the last 5 years for doing nothing, don't feel sorry for Darren Fletcher, feel sorry for people in every day life who have had to quit work because of ill health and don't get a penny.
People also talk of his experience, what experience as he got? He's barely played since he was 24/25.
He's experienced in terms of age, but actual football experience he's not.
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Your getting your feelings about players financial situation get in the way of your view of him as a player and experienced head at the club. Of course these players earn way too much, especially when you see what else is happening around the world.
In an ideal world, we would only pay the starting X1, maybe a win bonus as well. But that's not the world we live in. Fletcher is very fortunate, he would be the first person to admit that but he has proven to be a very good player for Manchester United.
The fact he has been at the club since 16, and has been here through multiple title wins and a CL victory?
Just because he was not in the team, does not mean he was not around while it happened.
And let's be honest, footballers at this level are not on par with us average folk, they will get protected as rightly the club should do. He is part of the MUFC family, and until he can no longer provide will we cut him. Just look at how we treated Hargreaves, he was nowhere near family as much as Fletch was, but we gave him every chance under the sun.
Sure when his contract runs out we need to make a big decision, and so does he, but right now he still has something to offer.
Fletcher is still an asset to this side. Someone said his style of football doesn't fit in with Van Gaal's philosophy. What?! For me, Fletcher is a perfect example of a player Van Gaal will very much take a liking to. A homegrown, successful player who has come through the ranks of a team renowned for playing fast, attacking football. He is our best midfielder in terms of trusting players on the ball; Herrera was able to showcase his ability the other night due to Fletcher (and Kagawa) threading it through the lines into him in tight situations. It draws players to him which leaves spaces to exploit further up the field, which when you've got a player of Herrera's ability; we're going to take full advnatge of.
A calm, composed, experienced head who knows the club through and through, know's his limits, reads the game well and moves the ball quickly. I seriously don't see the problem. I'd much rather be seeing Anderson, Cleverley and Fellaini out of the door before Fletcher, which pretty much makes him our 3rd best midfielder.
A calm, composed, experienced head who knows the club through and through, know's his limits, reads the game well and moves the ball quickly. I seriously don't see the problem. I'd much rather be seeing Anderson, Cleverley and Fellaini out of the door before Fletcher, which pretty much makes him our 3rd best midfielder.
I actually think he looks more composed on the ball and more of a 'technician' (for lack of a better word) since coming back than he did 5 years ago when he was first choice. His physical condition looked suspect last season, but now with some rest and hopefully a full pre-season I think he could still be a very good squad player as a CM and a back-up CB in a three at the back.
He seems to have matured as a player, so although I probably wouldn't like to see him in the starting line-up in a high energy big game his experience should be very useful in a lot of situations. Solskjaer barely played for about 3 years, but when he did come back in 06/07 he was a much wiser player from his time on the sidelines even though he'd lost any physical attributes he'd had. Maybe Fletcher has been a similar student of the game. Or maybe I'm being hopeful.
Fletcher's footballing brain has always been better than his body's ability to deliver. A this point he seems to have dialed back his brain's expectations to what his body is actually capable of - which could make him a pretty good sitting DM. The remaining problem is that he's lost all his straight line speed - if he ever gets into a simple race for the ball or needs to get across to make a covering tackle, he'll be very exposed. He's a good player to have in the squad, but his limitations could give us problems.
I love the irony of many posts…Fletcher was ok against mediocre opposition but Herrera was outstanding?
Didn't both players play in the same game against opposition?
LvG made him captain, left him playing the full 90 mins and moved him into central defenced to coach the younger players.
Thank god we have a manager who understands the need for leadership on the pitch!
Didn't both players play in the same game against opposition?
LvG made him captain, left him playing the full 90 mins and moved him into central defenced to coach the younger players.
Thank god we have a manager who understands the need for leadership on the pitch!
That's the thing, I don't think a lot of people (or his doubters) realise just how important his experience can be. In a week where van Gaal has spoken about the need for experience too. I don't think anyone is saying we need to rely on Fletcher, far from it really but there are going to be times where his experience will be vital, on and off the pitch.
He was a central part in the team that romped around Europe from 2008 to 2011, getting to the CL - edit: final - twice. Not to mention picking up 5 Premier league winners medals in his career..
And his illness affected him age 27 not 25.
I mean if you think he wont get form or fitness back, fine. But don't make out that he was never an important player for us.
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