Fletcher: It's In Our Hands

Darren Fletcher turned in another all-action performance against Liverpool on Sunday, from battling with Dirk Kuyt in midfield to creating Ji-sung Park's winner.In this exclusive interview, the Scot speaks about midfield partners and staying on top...

The manager has opted to play you in a midfield three for a number of crucial games – are you pleased with how it’s worked?
It’s a formation we’ve played in Europe a few times over the last few years, and it’s one I enjoy. It’s always a pleasure to play in the same midfield as Paul Scholes – his ability to control a game is second to none, and I think he can carry on doing a job in the middle for the team for a number of years yet.

Sir Alex says we made need to win all our remaining league games. Is that how you see it?
That’s certainly the challenge that’s there for us, and we’ve got to rise to it. The league is in our own hands – if we win all our games we’ll be champions, and hopefully we can do that.

How does the experience of having been there and done it help; and is it something you consciously draw on?
I think it’s something that’s just there, although the manager and experienced lads like Gary, Paul, Ryan and Rio will remind you of things in certain situations. The fans have been through it so many times before as well, and they understand about patience in games and when to get behind the team. They can play a big part between now and May.

Is the fact we could overtake Liverpool in the league title stakes something that drives you on?
This club's all about breaking records and setting the standard, so we all want to make it four titles in a row. That would be our 19th overall. It would be a great achievement to have won the most championships in English football.

At this stage of the season, do you pay much attention to how United’s rivals are performing?
I watch football on TV and hope things go our way when our rivals play. But we’re just focused on doing our own job. I don’t tend to look at the fixtures. It’s been such a funny season, with so many strange results, that you can’t really pin your hopes on certain games because anything can happen.

One final question... do you switch off when you get home or are you a football addict?
"I’m a real addict! I buy pretty much every football magazine going, and always watch any game that’s on."I’ve been the same since I was a kid, and I think I’ll always be like that. I just love everything about the game and enjoy watching different players and other teams."