[funkdoctorspock]

Was going to put up a poll, but I think we all know what the answer would be. (Question by the way would be... Should Fletcher stay or leave Manchester United?)

For the most part, I like players that are willing to fight for there place. Provided that:

a. They're good and if they break through, you would feel comfortable with the playing.

b. If they are so-so, they are a team player and quietly wait to get games.

c. You see improvement in there game during there duration with the club.

Now, b and c definitely apply to Fletcher. A player that has steadily gotten better over the years, who's a team player, doesn't disrupt team harmony and works hard to gain a starting place.

With that said, it could very well be time for him to leave. In my opinion, he could easily start for a mid table team and be effective. With Andershow playing out of his mind and Scholes soon to return, not to mention Hargo, Carrick and O'Shea ahead of him in the depth charts, Fletcher's time with United is ticking.

Yes, we'll see injuries in that position (knock on wood they aren't serious or long term) and could very well be given a chance.

k, enough rambling. Whats your thoughts on this?

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has insisted he wants to stay with the Premier League champions despite losing his place in the side.

The 23-year-old Scot has been linked with a move to Birmingham after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.

But Fletcher said: "I am still happy playing for Manchester United and I am not thinking of going elsewhere.

"I never heard anything about Birmingham being interested - I just want to be here for a long time."

Fletcher's former international manager Alex McLeish is reported to be considering a move to lure him south to the Blues.

But while Fletcher admits he is disappointed to be out of the side, he is confident of being given further opportunities to impress by Sir Alex Ferguson.

"It is frustrating because any player wants to play," he added.

"My only focus is on being ready when the manager needs me and being able to perform for the club when asked."

Brazilian midfielder Anderson's summer arrival from Porto has restricted Fletcher's first-team opportunities and Saturday's late appearance against Newcastle was only his 15th appearance of the season, nine of which have been as substitute.

"Basically, it has been down to the form of the midfield. Fair play to Anderson, when Paul Scholes got injured, he came in and has been in great form.

"The manager has stuck by him, which is what he does when you perform well, and has had a run in the team.

"We will see how things pan out at the end of the season in terms of games played and what you have contributed to the squad. But I am not thinking about that just now."
Click

[zak]

Short term: He is priceless for the depth that he gives us in midfield. A star he is not. First XI he is not. United class? Probably never completely. But he has the ability to fill in and do the job. Do others do it better? Oh Yes. But he does not make stupid mistakes, he does not get cocky and he gives 100% 100% of the time. To let him go during the January window would be the dumbest thing I have ever seen us do.

Long term: Let him leave and go somewhere that can appreciate him and give him the minutes on the pitch that his hard work should earn him.

Meanwhile, we should be looking to increase our midfield depth with more young world-class talent like Anderson.

[USAManUtd13]

I think Fletcher is highly undervalued. He's put in better performances than Hargreaves has this season and better than Carrick had up until Newcastle. I desperately want him to get an increased amount of time on the pitch, so obviously I do not want to see him go.

[CheefRoberts]

He showed his class against Arsenal. He must have been lacking match practice so to come and make your first start for god knows how long (I can't even remember him on the bench) is amazing. He has showed his true commitment to the club.

[dylangranville]

a team needs squad players, who are content to be where they are.

fletcher is just that.

plus we need him to slot in whenever we play arsenal.

dylan