Fletcher will be better

Darren Fletcher is confident the big challenges that lie ahead will bring out the best in Manchester United.

Just like last year, the Red Devils have opened their Barclays Premier League title defence in disappointing fashion.

Twelve months ago Reading left Old Trafford with a share of the spoils. This time it was Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United who caused the shock.

While Keegan will hope to avoid the fate that eventually befell Reading, for United there is little time to dwell on the two dropped points.

Most of Ferguson's players have international commitments to fulfil before the Red Devils take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Monday.

big challenges

Then, once United have met Zenit St Petersburg in the Super Cup on 29th August and their players have competed in World Cup qualifiers for their countries, they face back-to-back away trips to Liverpool and Chelsea.

It could hardly be tougher, but Fletcher would not have it any other way.

"It is a tough start," admitted the Scotland midfielder."But we look forward to the big challenges and hopefully we will rise to them as we normally do.

"We have given everybody a head start and now we are playing catch-up. But we have been in this position before. It is only day one of a long season.

"It is another match under our belts fitness wise, most of us will have one more with the national teams this week and I am sure we will be raring to go by the time we get to Portsmouth."