Which game does Fletcher wish he could replay?

Sunday 12 March 2023 08:00

Homegrown midfielder Darren Fletcher played 342 times for Manchester United between 2003 and 2015.

It’s safe to say, then, that the Scot has a wide range of fixtures to choose from, could he be able to go back and replay any one of them.

Our technical director was asked that very question in a recent interview celebrating 20 years since his United debut, and quickly identified which match from his past he would like to alter.

Fletcher on his first season Video

Fletcher on his first season

Watch this clip from a special interview with Darren Fletcher, marking 20 years since the United legend's debut...

“The red card against Arsenal in the semi-final,” he said. “I will debate, at 4-0 up [on aggregate], whether I should make the tackle or not, but I played every minute of every game at full intensity, trying to do the best I can for the team.

“I still maintain it is a great tackle, but hindsight is a wonderful thing and if there was ever a moment I should have let somebody score, it might have been that one.”

At the time Fletcher was dismissed, United were 3-0 up on the night and winning 4-0 on aggregate in the 2008/09 Champions League semi-final.

The midfielder brought down Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in the box, appearing to get the ball, but referee Roberto Rosetti deemed it to be the denial of a goalscoring opportunity and sent Fletcher off.

The Reds won the tie 4-1 on aggregate – after Robin van Persie dispatched the subsequent penalty – but our ever-reliable Scottish midfielder would miss the final in Rome, against Barcelona, as a result. The lack of his energy and quality in midfield made things even harder for Sir Alex Ferguson's team in the showpiece event.

Fletcher won five Premier League titles, both the FA Cup and League Cup, and also lifted the 2007/08 Champions League during his time as a Red and who knows, he could have added a second European honour in 2009 had he been available to face the Spanish champions.

Arsenal 1 United 3 Video

Arsenal 1 United 3

United secured a place in the 2009 Champions League final, featuring a Cristiano Ronaldo wonder goal...

In addition to this subject, Fletcher talks about several other intriguing topics in his in-depth interview, from Sir Alex to his favourite team-mates.

The big interview with Darren will be out on ManUtd.com and in the United App soon - keep your eyes peeled!

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