Darren Fletcher has handled the disappointment of potentially missing out on a place in the Champions League final with consummate dignity and professionalism.
The 25-year-old Scot’s harsh red card in the 3-1 semi-final victory over Arsenal on Tuesday means that he’ll miss the final, unless a UEFA panel scheduled to meet on Monday decides to rescind the sending off.
Sir Alex admitted last week that he isn’t entirely hopeful, and Fletcher isn’t getting his hopes up. And after another commanding display in the heart of United’s midfield in the 2-0 win over City, Fletch says his mind is solely on helping the Reds win the title.
“I’ve just focused on this game,” he said. “I can’t let it affect me. We’ve still got a championship to win, and that is where all my focus and concentration is. Everything else is out of my hands just now. I can’t let that affect my performances, or affect anything.
“I’m always hoping [that the decision will be overturned], but we’ll have to wait and see. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much because I don’t want to be disappointed.
"We just have to wait and see what happens. Right now I’m focused on helping United win the league.”It's an admirable attitude, and the midfielder has emerged with great credit and appreciation from United's faithful - his name ringing out around Old Trafford all afternoon.
His performance against City has helped put United in a strong position in the title race. Four points from three remaining games would hand the Reds a third consecutive title, 11th Premier League and 18th championship success in total. But Fletcher says the United players want the title wrapped up as soon as possible, preferably at OT.
“We’re in a great position,” he admits. “But we want to win the league as soon as possible. We want to win it against Arsenal, so we need to get three points in the bag against Wigan. That will be a difficult match.”
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