Fletcher Eyes Qualification

Darren Fletcher hailed United’s second half performance after helping the Reds brush aside Turkish champions Bursaspor in a convincing 3-0 win at the Ataturk stadium in the Champions League.

The Scotland captain broke the deadlock in the 48th minute after a disappointing goalless first-half, paving the way for Sir Alex Ferguson's side to dominate the game and take a firm grip of Group C.

Speaking after the game, Fletcher told Sky Sports: “The early goal obviously helped us but I thought we created more chances in the second half and held good possession of the ball. We felt if we could get the first goal then we could control the game it would really open up for us from there, and happily it all went to plan.

“I should have scored in the first-half but I didn’t expect their defender to miss the ball, but I should have expected that and hit the target.

"It was an easier chance than my goal, which I just had to concentrate on keeping down, it was a great pass from Michael Carrick who did well to spot me and that got us off to a good start in the second half.”

Victory in Bursa leaves United on the brink of qualification with just one point required to reach the knockout stages, relieving the pressure from the remaining games against Rangers (away) and Valencia (home).

“It was important we won tonight. This group was by no means over, but not winning would have made it very difficult for us,” said Fletcher of United’s Group C position.

“It was a fantastic atmosphere right until the final whistle and you don’t want to go behind in games like this because it would be very difficult to come back. You don’t want to give them any confidence so it’s important that we kept the crowd quiet by keeping possession and ultimately, taking your chances when they come.

“We are in a great position now with two games left. The quicker you qualify, the better, so we are looking to do that as soon as possible.”