United boss: Darren reminds me of Brian McClair

Sir Alex Ferguson has compared his combative midfielder Darren Fletcher to Manchester United legend Bryan McClair.

Fletcher was very much under-rated by many until fairly recently, which is similar to what McClair went through during his time at Old Trafford.

The main characteristic they share though is their movement on the pitch. Both were always on the move, eager to get to the ball and play football.

“Darren reminds me of Brian McClair,” Ferguson said.

“He was exactly the same. When the ball moved he moved.

“Darren is in the same mould because he must run more than anyone.

“His energy and awareness of space are excellent.”

He has developed into a big game player and is an automatic name on the team sheet for games against the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.

After an impressive second half performance against Manchester City midweek, Fletcher is expected to start against Arsenal tomorrow.

“There are not many big games Darren has not played in over the years,” said the United boss.

“We have been saying how good he is for a while. Maybe it has taken longer for the fans to appreciate the qualities the boy has.

“There is nothing you can do about that. He is not a stylish player by any means. He is ungainly and gangly.

“But he is a fantastic player.”

Another of Fletcher’s qualities is his strength of character. Something which after overcoming injuries early in his career have got him to where he is today.

“When he was a young lad of 16 he was out of the game for two years with ankle problems,” he continued.

“It is not easy when you miss your formative years as an academy player here.

“But he has come through that to the level he is at now. That is the character he has shown.”

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