Fletcher Lifted By The Fans

Darren Fletcher admits the fans have picked the United players up ahead of the summer break.

There was obvious disappointment within the camp following the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona but the parade through Manchester with the Premier League trophy raised spirits - despite the persistent rain.

The Scottish midfielder believes it has provided the perfect boost leading in to the close season ahead of the tour to the United States in July.

"The lads loved the parade," he told MUTV. "Even though it’s raining, the turn-out is fantastic. Obviously a few of the lads were down after Saturday when we met up this morning but the fans have picked us up.

"This is my first parade like this. I remember watching the one in 1999 and thinking how amazing it was. I can’t believe the turn-out. The lads are really surprised and genuinely humbled by this turn-out. It makes us realise again what great fans we’ve got.

"The boss told us to enjoy ourselves and remember we’ve won the league, the 19th title. We also got to the Champions league final and it’s been a fantastic season. Ultimately the last game was a disappointment and that’s the one you tend to remember but I think today is going to see us out on a high. I think we have just gone away after the Champions League final then the lads would have been really down. It’s given us another boost and a reminder of how good it is to win the league."

Fletcher, like the fans, is already starting to look ahead to next season and the defence of the title.

"There’s always pressure," he added. "It’s expected every year. These fans expect it and we’ve got to rise to those expectations as individuals and as a team. We want to win it again, we want to keep achieving.

"It’s nice to relax now. It’s been a long season and the lads have got a few knocks. It’s nice to recharge your batteries. But, after a couple of weeks, I’m sure we’ll be itching to get back as we always are."