Fletcher Seeks Perfection

Darren Fletcher’s development into one of the British game’s finest all-round midfielders is missing one final piece in the jigsaw: regular goals.

The 26-year-old is renowned for his passing and possession, his defensive qualities and box-to-box running, but he is more than capable of finding the net, as he proved by kick-starting the Reds’ 3-0 win against Bursaspor with a well-drilled opener. The Scot believes he can add more goals to his game, and is setting incremental targets throughout the season, but he says his ability to burst into the box depends entirely on his instructions from the boss.

“I’d like to think I can score more goals,” says Fletch. “It depends on the personnel in midfield, who you are playing with and what is asked of you before the game. On Tuesday I was asked to get forward and get into advanced positions when the ball was wide. I was pleased to score in the second half, which gave us a platform to win. When the tactics allow I would like to get more.”

Goals are a valuable commodity in a central midfielder, especially in a player who offers so much else to the team. But that is the challenge Fletcher is setting himself to offer an ever more influential and far-reaching effect on the team.

“When I was younger [in youth teams and the Reserves] I scored a lot more goals,” he adds. “If I scored more goals I would have a greater impact. You always have to strive to improve yourself. You can't stand still and rest on your laurels. It’s something I am trying to do. You know with the great quality we have in wider areas that there are opportunities to get into the box and score goals, but as I said before, it depends on the role you have been given and the personnel you’re playing with as to when those moments will come.”

Fletcher is looking to two of United’s great midfield all-rounders, past and present, for inspiration. “Paul Scholes and Bryan Robson made careers from getting into the box and being a total midfielder, being able to defend then get into the box by making late runs. I have watched and learned from them. Scholesy still picks his moments even now. He is dangerous when he gets near the box. It is something I’m looking to do. I feel I have the stamina to get myself into the box and also get back.”

But rather than set insurmountable end-of-season targets, Fletcher has his eye on taking small, more manageable steps forward. “I want to improve on my best tally (five), from last year. I’ve scored three this season and the first target is to get to five and take it from there. All the midfield players are trying to step up their goals ratio. Nani has really come to the fore and all the midfielders should be capable of getting their fair share, which helps the team as a whole. If I get to five quickly then get myself somewhere near double figures, it would be a real bonus.

“Sometimes you have to be a little bit selfish. When I am on the field I tend to think 'can I attack?' and concentrate on being disciplined and organised. Sometimes you do have to be selfish and pick your moments to get into the box. I’m also aware of quick counter-attacks and the need to get back into position. Our defensive record in the Champions League is good and it’s important you react when you lose the ball, especially away from home. It’s the fine balance between that and being brave enough to get into the box and creating scoring opportunities. I want to find that balance.”