The Hour Cometh, Darren Fletcher

With the lacklustre performances from Carrick, the ageing Scholes, the over-confident Anderson and the injured Hargreaves, Darren Flether must step up to lead Manchester United’s midfield.

A product of United’s famous youth academy, Darren Fletcher initially struggled to break into the first team but now regularly features in the midfield. Initially, he was tipped to become Beckham’s successor on the right flank but after a few injuries, the coaching staff decided he was better suited for the central midfield position. His looping header in November 2005 ended Chelsea’s 40 match unbeaten run. Ever since, he has developed into a world class midfielder and has been named as Scotland’s captain.

Fletcher is, in my opinion, a very under-rated player. He may not have very good technique, he may not be very speedy, but he has the never-give-up attitude. As a holding midfielder, he is very efficient and his hard work in the midfield is unmatched. He reminds me a lot of Roy Keane.

Fletcher can be inspirational to United as he has been to Scotland if he plays regularly. His no-nonsense play makes him an indispensible player against teams which are very creative in midfield. Remember last season during the Champions League semi-final; his presence left absolutely no chance for Fabregas to develop his game. Fletcher was once more earnestly missed in the Champions League final where Fergie could not give an answer to Barcelona fluid and creative midfield.

I believe Fletcher is the best United midfielder and I hope he will start in more matches. His absence against Burnley was another factor which led to United’s loss.