[ad_1]
There was a satisfied smile on the Manchester United bench as Paul Pogba scored another goal at Fulham.
Darren Fletcher was one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted fans for ten years, and now he’s empowering the next generation of stars.
4
4
The former Scottish midfielder spent 20 years at Old Trafford and was reliable, solid, hard-working and smart.
Earlier this month, United announced that the 36-year-old had been promoted to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s roster, to help bring his extensive knowledge to the first team.
This was after just three months at United, where he had been helping youth teams and learning his trade.
Since starting his new role, he has worked with Pogba and other United midfielders to take his game to the next level.
And he’s already reaping the rewards, with Pog hitting the winners at Fulham and Burnley, and he also had a late opportunity to snatch victory from rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Fletcher is helping the 27-year-old French World Cup winner improve the defensive side of his game.
Pogba has recovered more than any of his fellow midfielders, has delivered more passes and made as many tackles as Fred since Fletcher was introduced as the first team coach 18 days ago.
Not bad for a man who wanted to leave the club and was supposedly “unhappy and can no longer express himself,” according to his agent Mino Raiola.
Darren has United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
In the five games since Fletcher’s promotion to Solskjaer’s roster, United have kept a clean sheet and conceded just three goals.
It has been a very popular appointment with players and staff, especially his former teammate Pogba.
Fletcher left United in 2015 and spent two years with West Brom, before playing another two with Stoke until he retired in 2019 at age 35.
He had no intention of being a coach when he hung up his boots due to a number of health problems.
But he has fallen in love with his new role after returning to United in October.
Ole, who heads the table, praised the appointment of his former teammate.
4
4
Solskjaer, 47, said: “Darren has United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player.
“He is at the beginning of his coaching career and his experience both on and off the court, along with his winning mentality, commitment and hard work, will be a great addition to the staff.”
It is understood that Fletcher now plans to become manager one day, with his dream of taking over the top job at his beloved Old Trafford.
Another former teammate, former United striker Dimitar Berbatov, believes the hard-tackle former midfielder is the perfect coach for Pogba and Co.
Betfair Ambassador Berbatov said: “First of all, it sure was the boss’s son.
“They were both Scottish. Second, he was very strong in the innings.
“It was incredible. He was slim but he wasn’t afraid to put this body on the line, tackle and get in people’s faces.
“He would defend and do the dirty work. This was Fletch.
“They needed him for the team. Ran all day, it was amazing.
“These kinds of things that could benefit Pogba with Fletch’s presence.
“He was the type of person who would talk to you, give you advice if you needed it.
“I was watching him closely against Burnley and he was a different Pog.
FANCY ONE POINT? TODAY’S BEST ODDS ARE INCREASED FROM THE UK’S TOP BOOKIES
“I was running down the field and fighting, losing the ball and running back.
“If everything continues, everyone will benefit.
“The goal he scored was the reward for everything he did in the game.”
⚽ Read our Man United Live Blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
[ad_2]
