Fletcher Rues Magpies Draw

Goalscorer Darren Fletcher was frustrated after United could only manage a 1-1 draw with Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

Obafemi Martins stunned Old Trafford with an excellent headed opener for the Magpies in the 22nd minute, only for Fletcher to stab home United’s leveller two minutes later.

And the Scot felt that the ideal timing of his goal should have propelled the Reds to go on and win the match against Kevin Keegan’s spirited side.

He told MUTV: “To draw the first game is disappointing. I felt we made enough chances to win the match – Shay Given pulled off some fantastic saves.

“Newcastle defended well and on the counter-attack they are dangerous because they have a lot of pace, so we had to be a bit cautious.

“It was a great leap and header from Martins, but fortunately we replied straight away, which really helps. We really thought we could push on and get the second goal, but unfortunately it never happened.”

Fletcher was nevertheless pleased with his strike, which came about after he forged into the area to get on the end of Ryan Giggs’ inviting cross.

“I’ve been making a conscious effort to get into the box because we’ve got players who can put great balls in there,” Fletcher continued.

“If you keep getting in there, the law of averages says you’re going to get a goal. I missed a few chances in pre-season so it was nice to score.”

Carlos Tevez did not play following a family bereavement and Fletcher admitted the Reds missed the in-form striker’s cut and thrust.

He said: “Carlos was frightening in pre-season – he looked so sharp. It was disappointing to lose him as he was onto something special and playing really well. But he’ll be back.

“We have a shortage of numbers up front and we’re missing a lot of players generally, but those players will return and we’ll have a formidable squad.”

United are already behind the pace at the top following wins for the rest of the so-called ‘Big Four’, but Fletcher knows it is far too early to panic, especially after the mediocre start the champions made to the 2007/08 campaign.

“We’re two points behind so we’ve given them a headstart, but hopefully we’ll catch them,” the 24-year-old added.

“We’ve been here before – we started poorly last season but it’s only day one, we play everybody twice and we’ll be raring to go for Portsmouth.”