Reds seek travel cure

United must turn away draws into victories if the Barclays Premier League trophy is to return to Old Trafford in May.

That’s the view of midfielder Darren Fletcher, who, ahead of United’s trip to West Bromwich Albion on New Year’s Day, says United can’t afford to keep dropping points away from home.

The latest bout of travel sickness came three days after Christmas when a controversial last-minute goal earned Birmingham City a 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.

“That was really disappointing,” Fletcher says. “At the time we felt it was a foul and a handball and we’ve since been proved right. Decisions like that go against you sometimes – you just have to accept it and move on.

“At the beginning of the season it was perhaps a case of a lack of concentration [when we conceded late goals] but I don’t think you can say that about what happened at St Andrew’s. It was just a bit of bad luck.”

Fletcher says he and his team-mates are now targeting three points at The Hawthorns in a game he hopes will provide the springboard for a run of victories on the road.

“We’ve got an opportunity to bounce back and we’re looking to win this game and get our away form going. It’s a big game and they got a point against us at Old Trafford, so they’ll be confident playing against us.

"West Brom started the season well but have gone through a rough patch recently that they’ll be looking to improve upon. Meanwhile, we need to start winning some games away from home.