Editor
07 May 2009 - 13:09
by Nigel Brown
Darren Fletcher, the Reliant Robin of Sir Alex Ferguson's dressing room, displayed in both legs of the Champions League Semi-Final against Arsenal, just why he can now be considered one of Europe's top combative and cantankerous midfield generals.
The Scot, labelled as Fergie's son within the close confines of the Carrington training complex, is now a fundamental cog in United's critical fixtures. And, there is no doubt the irreproachable tackle that caused his absence in the Champions League final could have an emphatic hindrance on the eventual conclusion in Rome.
Fergie's son
A player at Manchester United can learn more about his progression by the games Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't pick you for, then the games he does pick you for. This prophetic revelation may have passed through the mind of the insidious midfielder when he watched the Carling Cup final and the FA Cup Semi - Final from the stands at Wembley in his tailored suit. As Martin Samuel commented in the Daily Mail, this can be the greatest compliment received from the enigmatic Scot.
However, at the age of 25, seven years into his Manchester United career, Fletch is now a belated part of the furniture at Old Trafford.
Even though the tenacious tussler was within touching distance of signing for Everton in the Summer.
Strengths of a Scot
The teetotal Scot is the consummate professional, and one of the first class role models in the modern game. A determined man who has honed his game from possible David Beckham heir, to an assured, dogged and stubborn midfield stalwart. The niggly box-to-box man has become one of the toughest opponents for Europe's best, doing the dirty work and releasing the ball early to the Manchester United glitterati.
But, don't doubt his aerial ability or goalscoring prowess. Arsenal fans will recall Fletch grabbing two in the FA Cup Fourth Round drubbing last year, while Chelsea fans will recall the blues when he nodded one in to end Chelsea's 40 game unbeaten run in the Premier League under Jose Mourinho.
The Keane influence
The man, and performer Fletcher has become, is not down to just one man in Sir Alex Ferguson. Even greater, was the influence of former United skipper Roy Keane who lambasted, castigated and clobbered Fletcher when it was needed. Making him the winner he is today.
As he said himself: 'Roy was probably the biggest influence on my career. He would come down hard on me if I ever did anything wrong but he made me realise what it meant to be a United player.' The attitude of Keane on and off the pitch oozes through the blood of Fletcher and is imprinted in his soul.
The clean living family man, punctual Scotsman off the pitch, and the combative, committed winner on the pitch. Eric Cantona may have called these type of players water carriers, but, you cannot win domestic, European and World Championships without these terriers in your side.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be the first to admit this.
Fletcher deserves the limelight, although I suspect he doesn't lust for it. The biggest injustice in world football is the fact that his hard work has been undone by a wrongful dismissal. The immaculate pro, a player who should be lauded as a beacon of professionalism by UEFA is being punished for an injustice. This is a time where common sense should reign supreme over rules and regulations.
Until next time...