Staff : First team : Darren Fletcher

In May 2000, Darren Fletcher was set to be included in United's squad for the trip to Villa Park, but FA rules - and his schoolboy status - denied him the chance.

He joined United officially as a trainee in July 2000, but injuries stymied his progress. He eventually made his debut against Basel in March 2003, but it was in the following season that Fletch made his mark, notching 35 appearances.

The maturity of his game impressed, and in United’s 4-3-3 system he became the legs and lungs of Roy Keane, all the while learning his trade from the master.

By this stage, Fletcher was established as one of Scotland’s leading lights: he scored the solitary goal against Lithuania that earned them a play-off for Euro 2004 and, later that season, at the age of 20, became Scotland’s youngest captain for 118 years.

The 2004/05 campaign brought Fletcher’s first goal for United, in a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough on New Year’s Day, and his importance to Sir Alex’s plans was reflected by his inclusion ahead of Ryan Giggs in the FA Cup final against Arsenal.

Fletcher was United’s matchwinner against Chelsea in November 2005, famously heading the goal that ended the champions’ 40-game Premiership unbeaten run. That was only his fourth goal for the Reds; if he can improve that ratio, his will be a very strong overall package.


Position: Midfielder
Appearances: 142
Goals: 7
Joined United: 03 Jul 2000
Transfer Fee: None
Previous Clubs: None
United Debut: 12 Mar 2003 v FC Basel (H)
International Scotland