Fletcher: I'm Back For Good

Darren Fletcher says he is looking to start afresh at Manchester United after making his long-awaited return to first-team action on Sunday.

The midfielder made his first appearance for almost a year when he entered the fray as a second-half substitute against Aston Villa 3-0 at Villa Park. Speaking exclusively to MUTV after the match, Fletcher expressed his determination to regain his place in the United side.

Fletcher said: “This is it, I’m back for good. This is hopefully the game which means I’m back now. I seem to have come through the setbacks and health issues and I’m thankful for that. It’s onwards and upwards now.

“I always believed I would come back, I kept that mind-set. I think other people around me were trying to make me think otherwise, but I stayed strong and believed I would get back. I think that was the best way to approach the situation and I knew I was going to go through a lot, but the belief and determination was to get back.

"Playing a game like that, and getting an ovation like that [from the United fans] makes it all worthwhile.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to play football. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play for Manchester United and wasn’t going to give that up lightly. I battled through it, and I’m only 29 years old, I think I’ve got plenty more years of playing left in me. That was reiterated to me by my family, friends and the old manager. I could have a career all over again if I get my health right, and hopefully that’s what I’m going to do."

Fletcher was quick to praise his loved ones after the match, and thanked the Reds' faithful for their support throughout his battle with ulcerative colitis, a serious bowel condition.

He added that having to watch his team-mates from home has made him hungry to bring success back to Old Trafford, saying that establishing a winning run is vital.

“It was nice for me to come back. Even at half-time I went to do a few strides and it was great, it means a lot when the fans support me like that, and it spurs me on to do well for them. To have the support of the fans after what I’ve been through is great," he said.

“There have been so many people I could mention [who have supported me], but first and foremost are the people closest to home. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have been able to come back.

“We have to go on a run, there’s no doubt about it. Not just an unbeaten run, but we need to be winning games, and put ourselves in a position where we’re still in contention by New Year. That’s the goal for all the lads, and results like this away from home are a good starting point. But, we’ve got to go and do it again, we need to win several games in a row for people to start believing that we’re back to what we are capable of.

“I’m still building up my fitness, but I don’t want to take it easy. I’ve done enough of that, and I want to be involved, to get us back to where I know we should be. I think that’s the biggest determination for me. It’s difficult watching when the lads are winning, but a lot more difficult when they’re not winning. I want to help as much as I can, I want to keep picking up minutes, even if it’s with the reserves. Ultimately, the goal is to play in the first team, to be a part of the plans, and to bring success back to Manchester United."

United boss David Moyes lauded Fletcher for his performance at Villa Park, and says he is encouraged by the midfielder's return to action.

"We were laughing afterwards about the great chance he had to score with a header from a corner. Isn't it great that a player who has had an illness like Darren has had can come back and get on the pitch. I know this has happened before and we're not going to get carried away with it, but I think it's a great sign.

"He's looking good, he's feeling good and anyone who saw him today would say that he looks much better and much more like his old self. And I thought he made some sense when he came on - he passed the ball well, kept it for us and was in the right position where we needed him. You can see the talent the boy has."