Darren Fletcher

Darren Fletcher
Darren fletcher.jpg
Fletcher, September 2009
Personal information
Full name Darren Barr Fletcher[1]
Date of birth 1 February 1984 (1984-02-01) (age 27)[1]
Place of birth Dalkeith, Scotland
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position Midfielder
Club information
Current club Manchester United
Number 24
Youth career
Tynecastle Boys Club
2000–2001 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2001– Manchester United 166 (15)
National team‡
Scotland U20 2 (2)
2002–2003 Scotland U21 4 (0)
Scotland B 1 (0)
2003– Scotland 50 (4)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 11:05, 28 August 2010 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 16:55, 05 September 2010 (UTC)

Darren Barr Fletcher (born 1 February 1984) is a Scottish footballer who plays for Premier League club Manchester United. A product of United's youth academy, Fletcher initially struggled to break into the first team but now regularly features in the midfield. He usually plays in central midfield or right midfield but can provide cover for the defence as well. The industrious player also captained the Scotland national team in the absence of then regular captain Barry Ferguson, making Fletcher one of the youngest players ever to captain Scotland at full international level. With Ferguson banned from international football after a breach of regulations, Fletcher was given the captain's armband in August 2009.[2][3]

Contents

Club career

Born in Dalkeith, Scotland, Fletcher has been at Manchester United for his whole career coming up from the youth team. Fletcher joined Manchester United as a trainee in July 2000 and he signed a professional contract in February 2001. He was initially seen as a right midfielder in the David Beckham mould and was tipped by many to break into the first team with ease and stay there for many years to come.[4] His first few seasons at the club, however, were marred by injury, and as he developed came to be viewed more as a central midfielder.

Fletcher broke into the Manchester United team during the 2003–04 campaign, playing a number of important matches and starting in United's 2004 FA Cup Final win over Millwall in May 2004.[5]

Despite a slow start to the 2004–05 campaign, in which in the early part of the season he made very few competitive appearances, Fletcher again broke into the United first team. On 1 January 2005, Fletcher scored his first goal at club level in a 2–0 win over Middlesbrough.[6]

Fletcher was one of the players singled out for criticism by club captain Roy Keane in the wake of United's 4–1 defeat to Middlesbrough in October 2005.[7] Keane reportedly said, "I can't understand why people in Scotland rave about Darren Fletcher." However, Keane later attempted to set the record straight stating, "If you listen to any of my comments over the last two or three years, if I've given any player credit over the years it would be Fletch. Fletch will tell you that himself."[8] Fletcher went some way towards answering his critics on 6 November 2005, with his performance in the vital league match at home to Chelsea, scoring the only goal of the game with a looping header.[9] His winning goal ended Chelsea's forty-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.[9]

In 2006–07, at the start of the season he retained a place in the first team but only on the bench and scored in an away win over Charlton Athletic, as well as scoring the headed winner in the away game with Middlesbrough in December and another headed goal in the home win against Charlton in February, making it a double against the club that season. As the season progressed, Alex Ferguson preferred the midfield quartet of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs, limiting Fletcher to a few substitute appearances. However, with Scholes absent through suspension, he made a starting appearance in United's 7–1 win over Roma in the Champions League quarter-final.

In the 2007–08 season, with the further arrival at the club of fellow midfielders Owen Hargreaves and Anderson and winger Nani, Fletcher played even less than during the previous season, and was even rumoured at one time to want to leave the club out of displeasure at not playing enough. Indeed, as before, Ferguson preferred Carrick, Scholes, Giggs and Ronaldo to him in midfield, and he even played less than the new arrivals. He did, however, put in some stalwart performances when given the chance, including two goals in the 4–0 defeat of Arsenal at Old Trafford in the FA Cup Fourth Round.

Fletcher playing for Manchester United

In the 2008–09 season, he started the first two games, due to the injuries of Carrick and Ronaldo, and scored against Newcastle United at Old Trafford in Manchester United's first Premier League match of the season, forcing a 1–1 draw after Obafemi Martins' goal.[10] Fletcher notched his second goal of the season opening the scoring from close range against Portsmouth, following a pass from Patrice Evra. He was later shown a yellow card on the 93rd minute before the match ended 1–0.[11] On 3 October 2008, Fletcher signed a three-year extension to his contract with Man Utd, keeping him at the club until 2012.[12] Fletcher notched his third goal of the season against Everton on 25 October. He then went onto to score in the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Gamba Osaka on 18 December 2008 after coming off the bench. In the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal on 5 May 2009, Fletcher was shown a red card ruling him out of the Champions League Final. There have been calls[13] for this decision to be overturned, but apart from mistaken identity, there is no appeal procedure for red cards in UEFA competition.[14][15] Manchester United launched an appeal with UEFA to have the semi final red card overturned on 'compassionate' grounds on 7 May 2009,[16] but this was rejected on 11 May.[17]

The 2009–10 season has seen Fletcher consolidate his place in the heart of the United midfield, starting all the important games for United. He opened his scoring account for the season with a double in the first Manchester derby of the season, a memorable 4–3 victory for United, he twice put United in front before Michael Owen scored in the sixth minute of added time. He was awarded with the Barclays Man of the Match award for his performance.[18] On 21 November 2009, Fletcher scored his third of the season, and arguably his best goal for United, hitting a half volley from the edge of the area into the top corner giving United a 1–0 lead against Everton in a 3–0 win.[19] This season has also seen him and fellow midfielders Michael Carrick and Park Ji-Sung deputise in defence due to an injury crisis that left Patrice Evra being the only fit regular in defence. They still managed to keep a clean sheet against West Ham United and concede only one goal against Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg in the Champions League. Fletcher was sent off during the match against Birmingham on 9th January 2010 after 2 bookable offences. On 10 March 2010, Fletcher scored the fourth goal in a 4–0 win in the second leg of United's last 16 Champions League tie with Milan, making the score 7–2 on aggregate. This was his first goal in the Champions League. In April, Fletcher capped a successful season with selection in the 2009–10 PFA Premier League Team of the Year. On 9 May 2010, the last day of the season, Fletcher scored the first goal of a 4–0 win at home to Stoke City.

International career

Fletcher has established himself as a regular choice for Scotland and scored his first goal in a 1–0 win over Lithuania, having come off the bench for only his second cap.[20] His goal took Scotland to the play-offs for Euro 2004. On 26 May 2004, he captained Scotland to a 1–0 friendly win against Estonia in Tallinn. This made him the youngest Scotland captain since John Lambie of Queen's Park led the side that beat Ireland 7–2 on Saturday, 20 March 1886. Lambie was aged just 17 years and 92 days.[21]

Fletcher's improvement for his national side was capped by a 25-metre strike in an October 2005 World Cup qualifier against Slovenia. Fletcher was Scotland's vice-captain under Alex McLeish, deputising in the absence of regular captain Barry Ferguson, but following then the removal of Barry Ferguson as captain in 2009, Fletcher was named as full time captain in November 2009.[2][3]

International goals

Scores and results list (Scotland's goal tally first).
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 11 October 2003 Hampden Park, Glasgow  Lithuania 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 2004 Qual.
2 30 May 2004 Easter Road, Edinburgh  Trinidad and Tobago 1–0 4–1 Friendly
3 12 October 2005 Arena Petrol, Celje  Slovenia 1–0 3–0 2006 FIFA World Cup Qual.
4 2 September 2006 Celtic Park, Glasgow  Faroe Islands 1–0 6–0 UEFA Euro 2008 Qual.

Personal life

Fletcher is the father of twin boys, Jack and Tyler (born 2007) with his English wife, Hayley Grice.[22] [23]

He was one of many footballers in the Manchester and Liverpool area whose home was robbed while playing away games when thieves raided his house in February 2009. Grice was held at knifepoint by the thieves .[24] The incident occurred while Fletcher was in Milan for Manchester United's Champions League fixture against Internazionale.

Fletcher's father was caught speeding in Fletcher's Range Rover on the M6 motorway in Cumbria on 27 November 2008. As the owner of the car, Fletcher was ordered to identify the driver of the car, but he failed to do so and was summoned to Penrith Magistrates' Court in January 2010. After a hearing, Fletcher received six penalty points on his driver's licence, a £650 fine and was ordered to pay £900 in costs.[25]

Fletcher is involved in a programme to encourage "Deaf Friendly Football" for youngsters. The programme is run by the Manchester United Foundation and the National Deaf Children's Society.[26]

Career statistics

Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other[27] Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Manchester United 2002–03 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0
2003–04 22 0 5 0 2 0 6 0 0 0 35 0
2004–05 18 3 3 0 3 0 5 0 1 0 30 3
2005–06 27 1 3 0 4 0 7 0 0 0 41 1
2006–07 24 3 6 0 1 0 9 0 0 0 40 3
2007–08 16 0 1 2 0 0 6 0 1 0 24 2
2008–09 26 3 3 0 1 0 8 0 4 1 42 4
2009–10 30 4 0 0 3 0 7 1 1 0 41 5
2010–11 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 1
Total 166 15 21 2 14 0 50 1 8 1 259 19

Statistics accurate as of match played 28 August 2010[28]

[29]

Scotland national team
Year Apps Goals
2003 4 1
2004 9 1
2005 7 1
2006 7 1
2007 7 0
2008 6 0
2009 6 0
2010 4 0
Total 50 4

Honours

Club

Manchester United

International

Scotland

Individual

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Hugman, Barry J. (2005). The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005. Queen Anne Press. p. 211. ISBN 1852916656. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Scots built for attack – Fletcher". BBC Sport. 13 August 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/8194452.stm. Retrieved 12 August 2009. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Fletcher honoured to be captain". BBC Sport. 11 August 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/8196191.stm. Retrieved 12 August 2009. 
  4. ↑ Lawrence, Ken (28 July 2000). "Fletcher is ready to fill Beckham's boots". ESPNsoccernet. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/columns/2000/0728/20000728featlawrence.html. 
  5. ↑ "Man Utd win FA Cup". BBC Sport. 22 May 2004. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3725063.stm. Retrieved 2 January 2010. 
  6. ↑ "Middlesbrough 0–2 Man Utd". BBC Sport. 1 January 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4114661.stm. Retrieved 2 January 2010. 
  7. ↑ Taylor, Daniel (1 November 2005). "Keane gagged by United after TV attack on players". The Guardian (London). http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,1563,1605711,00.html. Retrieved 1 May 2010. 
  8. ↑ Grant, Michael (18 December 2005). "Keane Rates Fletcher". Sunday Herald. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4156/is_20051218/ai_n15938353. Retrieved 27 November 2006. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Man Utd 1–0 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 6 November 2005. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4387838.stm. Retrieved 2 January 2010. 
  10. ↑ "Man Utd 1–1 Newcastle". BBC Sport. 17 August 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7551173.stm. Retrieved 26 August 2008. 
  11. ↑ "Portsmouth 0–1 Man Utd". BBC Sport. 25 August 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7565068.stm. Retrieved 26 August 2008. 
  12. ↑ "Scholes & Fletcher sign new deals". BBC Sport. 3 October 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/7651126.stm. Retrieved 3 October 2008. 
  13. ↑ "Uefa stands by Fletcher red card". BBC Sport. 6 May 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8035053.stm. Retrieved 1 May 2010. 
  14. ↑ "Arsenal v Man Utd as it happened". BBC Sport. 5 May 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8032998.stm. Retrieved 1 May 2010. 
  15. ↑ "Arsenal 1–3 Man Utd (agg 1–4)". BBC Sport. 5 May 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8010853.stm. Retrieved 1 May 2010. 
  16. ↑ "United Lodge Fletcher Appeal". Sky Sports. 7 May 2009. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11667_5293440,00.html. 
  17. ↑ "Fletcher appeal rejected". BBC Sport. 11 May 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8037362.stm. Retrieved 11 May 2009. 
  18. ↑ "Man Utd 4–3 Man City". BBC Sport. 20 September 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8256750.stm. Retrieved 20 September 2009. 
  19. ↑ "Man Utd 3–0 Everton". BBC Sport. 21 November 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8364359.stm. Retrieved 21 November 2009. 
  20. ↑ "Scotland battle past Lithuania". BBC Sport. 2003-10-11. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/scotland/3165778.stm. Retrieved 2 January 2010. 
  21. ↑ "Sat 20 Mar 1886 Ireland 2 Scotland 7". http://londonhearts.com/scotland/games/18860320.html. Retrieved 27 November 2006. 
  22. ↑ "Scotland hopes". http://www.sundayherald.com/sport/shfootball/display.var.1460553.0.0.php. 
  23. ↑ Umair, Ahmed (17 June 2010). "Darren Fletcher marries Hayley Grice". soccerlens.com. http://soccerlens.com/babes/darren-fletcher-marries-hayley-grice/. Retrieved 17 June 2010. 
  24. ↑ Walker, Peter (24 February 2009). "Robbers held knife to throat of Darren Fletcher's fiancee during raid". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/feb/24/darren-fletcher-fiance-knife-manchester-united. Retrieved 8 March 2009. 
  25. ↑ "Motoring fine for Man Utd footballer Darren Fletcher". BBC Sport. 29 January 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/8487895.stm. Retrieved 31 January 2010. 
  26. ↑ Northcroft, Jonathan (8 March 2009). "Darren Fletcher: out of the shadows". The Sunday Times (London: Times Newspapers). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article5741098.ece. Retrieved 8 March 2009. 
  27. ↑ Includes other competitive competitions, including the FA Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup
  28. ↑ Endlar, Andrew. "Darren Fletcher". StretfordEnd.co.uk. http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/playermenu/fletcher_d.html. Retrieved 22 August 2009. 
  29. ↑ http://www.national-football-teams.com/v2/player.php?id=5921

External links

2009–10 Premier League Team of the Year
GK: Joe Hart  · DF: Branislav Ivanović  · DF: Patrice Evra  · DF: Richard Dunne  · DF: Thomas Vermaelen  · MF: James Milner  · MF: Cesc Fàbregas  · MF: Darren Fletcher  · MF: Antonio Valencia  · FW: Didier Drogba  · FW: Wayne Rooney
Manchester United F.C. – current squad

1 Van der Sar · 2 Neville · 3 Evra · 4 Hargreaves · 5 Ferdinand · 6 Brown · 7 Owen · 8 Anderson · 9 Berbatov · 10 Rooney · 11 Giggs · 12 Smalling · 13 Park · 14 Hernández · 15 Vidić (c) · 16 Carrick · 17 Nani · 18 Scholes · 20 Fábio · 21 Rafael · 22 O'Shea · 23 J. Evans · 24 Fletcher · 25 Valencia · 26 Obertan · 27 Macheda · 28 Gibson · 29 Kuszczak · 31 C. Evans · 33 Bébé · 37 Brady · 40 Amos · 42 Eikrem · 44 Dudgeon · 45 Gill · 47 Norwood · 49 Morrison · Manager: Ferguson