Is Darren Fletcher the best big game player in the world?

[Owenzy]

Once again he produced another masterclass display last night, he provided two assists, he was box to box and could have scored a goal on a different night. It's very rare for a player to play without fear in a big game, but he seems to thrive under pressure in the big games. Earlier in the season he dominated City's midfield in the thrilling 4-3 win, that was followed up by an aggressive display against Chelsea and he also got the better of City's midfield in the recent Carling Cup games. Even wonderful players such as Fabregas go missing in the big games, but not our Fletch. I don't think there is any player in the world at this moment in time who is as consistent as Fletcher in the big games.

['atboyronaldo]

Looking at Fletcher 2 seasons ago to now, the difference is immense. In midfield he would be number 1 on my team sheet every week. I think the difference is he has the desire and hunger, rooney-esque you could argue. Being a scotsman one comparison I have to make is Fletch for utd, Fletch for Scotland - completely different players. Yeah it is all to do with the players around him but you don't see much of the fletch at utd shinning through.

[moondog]

Now this is a thread I like, Owenzy!.

Fletcher is fabulous. His improvement and resulting critical contributions in big games is becoming legendary. It is a testament to him, and to SAF, that he has perservered. Purists will never consider him a great player - his style is not smooth enough and he appears a little uncoordinated at times - he isn't, it just looks that way.

I understand the fascination with silky skill - supporters of both berba and nani (when they are 'on') are fully justified in their admiration. He will never be similarly described, but give me Fletch in a big game every time. His talent and more importantly his impact are undeniable - not always pretty, but spectacular nonetheless.

[Sownak27]

Its something he had even seasons before the past two he has really flourished in. I remember he had a great game against Milan at home in the 06/07 European Cup tie as well.

People never did Fletcher the recognition that Sir Alex gave him -- many people found it ridiculous when I said that Fletcher was my favourite player, when I joined 2 years ago.

Glad to see that now, everyone -- United fans, opposing fans, and the media -- are giving him the credit he is due for his monumental performances.

To answer your question -- best big game player in the world? I am biased so I would say yes, but I think most on here would agree that he is definitely the best at it at United.

[ClamBuster]

i beleive that fletcher is the most in form 'box to box' midfielder currently in europe at the moment...

Rooney Fletcher and Evra 'ARE' Utd

[NoxiousD]

Possibly yes, he was a machine last night

[justboy]

not trying to slate the thread but if your title was true would that make him the best player in the world? lol.

nah Fletch has been class for us this season. i dont even know what his role was last night but he did it with minimum of fuss with 110% effort. he really is the heart beat of united when it matters.

if he was english he would be hailed a lot more by other fans and the media.

[LEGEND7]

[QUOTE=justboy;596572]not trying to slate the thread but if your title was true would that make him the best player in the world? lol.

QUOTE]

No, you only get around 12 big games, max in a season, so you cant be the best player in the world if you're just brilliant in those games ( even though Fletch is great in other games)

[justboy]

Id take a player who peforms in the 12 big games over 1 that does in the rest of the smaller games anyday, and rate them higher.

[manutd éire]

not trying to slate the thread but if your title was true would that make him the best player in the world? lol.

nah Fletch has been class for us this season. i dont even know what his role was last night but he did it with minimum of fuss with 110% effort. he really is the heart beat of united when it matters.

if he was english he would be hailed a lot more by other fans and the media.

Exactly. agree 100%

he is one of if not the most under rated players in europe. utd are not the same team without his drive, determination, enthusiasm and ability to control a match. he's been truely outstanding for at least 18months or 2 yrs now but still does not get the credit he deserves. after rooney, he's first player i want on the pitch for every game.

[hdcantona]

Clear MOTM for me last night, he was excellent, it's not just his high standard of play, it's his consistency, possibly the most improved player in recent years

[manchester 4ever]

That lad has performed perfect every game he has played this season , he may be the only one whom you dare not saying Fletcher was bad in this match or that..

In the other hand , you cant make your mind about his best match so far ,you could not tell me which match has been the best for Fletcher this season , is it City of league or of CC , Arsenal , European games , Chelsea or what ??? I am talking about big match which this thread is built on ..

we have had a lot of excellent CM players throughout the last decade ,but Fletcher is a great example of balanced , brave ,respectful , solid ,consistent and serious man ,yes , am not gathering adjectives about him , he is all

I think he has a character which could make him a leader , he was kept a lot on sideline years before , he has worked hard to gain a stable place ,and he is two steps away from his peak , he will be ,

I am hungry to see him in European Final , he deserves to be there ....I think he has learned a lot form Scholesy and will be remembered as a legend

MADE IN MUFC
TM

[keano's Head]

He's our impact, big game player and has proved that time and time again.
I also think that he brings the best in Carrick.

[Da Devil]

If Fletcher is so good then why are we playing 4-3-3, i think you're all overhyping Fletcher. He is a big-game player and he can do a job but he's no Micheal Essien ( I wouldn't swap him for Essien though), i expect him to improve, to score more with his head and to score screamers like earlier this season.

I'm satisfied with Fletcher but I think he can be better, you all think he doesn't have the talent for it but I think he does. He has good positioning but terrible finishing sometimes. I'm backing Fletch to get better and match Essien, the guy is literally the heartbeat of the Chelsea team.

[justboy]

why 433? because Carrick is poor in big games and Scholes legs arnt what they used to be.

Why do Chelsea play 433 if Essien is better?

[Da Devil]

Chelsea play 4-3-3 because they have too many central midfielders and not enough wingers. Milan do it too doesn't mean its because they have a poor midfield. They could easily play Essien and Lampard if they had our wings. So really its Carrick's fault isn't it?

[justboy]

imo yes. im not carricks biggest fan. hes great in the games when he has time/space but he seems to disapear in the biggers game. Upgrading him in the summer would be my priority (and keep carrick as a useful squad player)

[hdcantona]

Chelsea don't play 4-3-3?

Most of this season they've been playing a diamond system and the 4 midfielders have varied a lot and their positions, but it's a miuxed up version of this:

----------Anelka-----Drogba

----------------Lampard

Malouda---------------------Ballack

-----------------Essien


I probably have the midfielders in the wrong places, because Lampard hasn't played top of the diamond very much, but they haven't used 4-3-3 anywhere near as much as last year

[Owenzy]

No offense Da Devil, but you really are quite strange. You are going to fit right in around here.

[justboy]

Chelsea don't play 4-3-3?

Most of this season they've been playing a diamond system and the 4 midfielders have varied a lot and their positions, but it's a miuxed up version of this:

----------Anelka-----Drogba

----------------Lampard

Malouda---------------------Ballack

-----------------Essien


I probably have the midfielders in the wrong places, because Lampard hasn't played top of the diamond very much, but they haven't used 4-3-3 anywhere near as much as last year

ok but essien was there last year when they played 433 all season and even this year they have played 433 with anelka out wide.

anyone my main point was that it is not fletcher that is stopping us play 442!