Fletcher: United Is Number 1

Midfielder Darren Fletcher claims Manchester United have the best squad in the Premier League.

While Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini declared his team better than the league leaders, despite their 3-2 derby defeat on Sunday, Fletcher has unsurprisingly disagreed with the Italian.

"We always feel we have the strongest squad around," he said.

"In terms of starting XI and strength in depth we have a quality squad.

"There is so much competition for places. Some of the matches on the training ground are really intense because everyone wants to play and be involved.

"That is great for the manager, especially when you get the number of injuries we have had."

With a dramatic finale last term, when United blew an eight-point lead in four games, they will not be celebrating until the trophy has been returned to Old Trafford.

"It feels good to be six points clear," said Fletcher ahead of Saturday's game at home to Sunderland.
"It was good to win the derby, especially after what happened last year but it is important that we kick on and think just because we beat Manchester City and are six points clear we can't take it for granted.

"We have to keep pushing on and putting pressure on City.

"That feeling (of losing the title) never goes away because you remember losing moments more than you remember the winning ones because of the sheer disappointment.

"The manager always tells you to remember how it feels because you don't want to feel like that again.

"It is good to have bad moments because they fuel you and drive you on."