Fletcher To Battle For Spot

Darren Fletcher accepts that being a United player means there is always competition for places.

Tom Cleverley and Anderson's form at the start of the season has placed extra pressure on the midfielders and, although Cleverley is sidelined with a foot injury, the fit-again Scot is aware that he needs to be at his best to hold down a starting place.

Fletcher made his first start of campaign for the Reds in the 1-1 draw against Benfica and will hope to figure against Chelsea on Sunday, the team he famously scored the winner against in 2005 to end the Blues' 40-match unbeaten league run.

When asked by PA Sport if he was worried about younger players coming through, he replied: " Not really. I have been at Manchester United with great players. It is always a challenge to get into the team. You are always there for them, passing on advice.

"It is a team, although it is a squad game. You want to be playing yourself but you have been in the position they are in just now. I had a lot of experienced players handing advice to me. I will be doing the same for them. The ultimate goal is being successful for United.

"Manchester United are always going to attract top players. There are always players coming in. I look at the squad we have got and it is a challenge definitely. I have seen it as a challenge throughout my career. You have to earn the right to play for Manchester United. The young lads are doing it now and hopefully we will all play a part over the coming season."
As regards Sunday's encounter with Chelsea, Fletcher is under no illusions about the threat posed by Andre Villas-Boas' side.

Last season, they started on fire and ultimately did not win the league," he added. "You have to be careful. Chelsea are a top side, with a lot of experience. They have a new manager and they have brought in some younger, fresher, exciting players as well. They have a good squad. Liverpool have signed players as well.

"It is a tough Premier League. Although the two Manchester clubs have started particularly well, the other teams are going to be dangerous as well.