Fletcher Loves Playing

There is an element of speculation over which position Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will bolster first this summer. With Owen Hargreaves' long-term injury jeopardising his career, the Scot could recruit in central midfield, but Darren Fletcher is hoping that his ball-winning and hard-running performances this season have convinced his boss that he is the man for a starring role.

Fletcher has been a pivotal player for United this season. Often the unsung hero, he has enjoyed a turnaround in acclaim as his absence from the Champions League final was telling. Fletcher's positional sense, and ability to stifle danger swiftly and efficiently, before moving the ball forward have been sterling this campaign, but the player credits his self-improvement to his continued appearances in Ferguson's first-team.

"I've always believed in my ability," he told The Manchester Evening News. "It is difficult when you are a young player coming through at Manchester United. You are surrounded by top midfielders - Roy Keane, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

"When my chances came it was in the wide right area and that wasn't a natural position for me. But this season I've had a long run in central midfield and my game has improved because of that.

"I am a central midfielder and that's where I want to be, I enjoy playing there and it brings out the best in me."

Fletcher continued, "With a run of games your performances improve and it is as simple as that. Sometimes you can go, in previous seasons, six weeks, eight weeks and then have to come in and perform. It is difficult.

"But when you get a run of games playing Saturday and Wednesday, your form improves, your touch is there and everything about your game is at it's top level because it has to be. Your performances improve."