Fletcher: Great To Be Back

Darren Fletcher was delighted to be back in the United team on Wednesday night - but typically disappointed not to have helped the Reds secure a victory.

The midfielder started a senior club match for the first time since the closing league fixture of last season, and played his part as Sir Alex Ferguson's men took the sting out of Benfica's powerful start to claim a hard-fought draw.

"Obviously we came for the three points and we're disappointed not to get them," Fletcher told MUTV. "But I think a point, away here against a good Benfica side after going a goal down, is a decent point.

"We expected Benfica to start quick when we saw the stadium and their passionate fans. Obviously we went a goal down but we showed good character to respond and we got a foothold in the game. After we equalised, I felt we controlled the match without getting the chances our possession deserved. There were a few half chances here and there but I felt with our possession that we would go on to get the winner. Unfortunately that didn't happen. That's something we'll need to work on."

Fletcher was full of praise for the man whose goal brought United level - his fellow midfielder Ryan Giggs. "Giggsy scored a fantastic goal," said the Scot. "He's an inspiration to all of us. He's got so much experience, he never misses a day's training, he's always in. He was fantastic on the pitch tonight. He just keeps going and getting better and better which is a credit to him and great for Manchester United."

Getting better is also Fletcher's aim as he continues his quest for full match fitness following his recovery from a virus earlier this year.

"It's great to be back," said Fletcher. "Two games for Scotland, both full 90 minutes, set me up nicely and I feel fit, I feel ready and it's good to be back in amongst the lads and involved in the squad and be back playing in the Champions League.

"The lads have started the season fantastically and the manager’s obviously made a few changes tonight with one eye on the match against Chelsea on Sunday. I think he said at the beginning of the season that once the Champions League starts everyone would be involved. That's when the squad game comes into play."