Fletcher: United Liberated by Ronaldo Departure

By Brian Lofrumento | 27th September 2009

Fletcher: United Liberated by Ronaldo Departure | read this item

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When Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford over the summer, almost all of football’s top pundits predicted gloomy days for the Red Devils. Following some inspired performances by Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, United find themselves at the top of the table, and unsung hero Darren Fletcher has emerged as a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

Fletcher, meanwhile, claims that United’s success is in large part down to Ronaldo’s departure. The Scottish captain told The Sunday Telegraph that the Premier League leaders are liberated without their former Portuguese star.

“The manager has pointed out that Ronaldo has gone and that is a huge goal difference that we need to fill. As players, we all have to rise to the challenge,” said Fletcher.

“Ronaldo was good for us, but a lot of players sacrificed themselves for Cristiano too. In a lot of games, I’d be asked to play in central midfield but, whenever he went forward, I’d have to get out to the right to cover him.

“Maybe, now we have got back to 4-4-2, where everybody drops back as a four, it gives the midfielders more opportunity to bomb forward.

“I’d like to think I can get double figures this season because, in this team, you are always likely to get chances if you can get into the box.”

Can Darren Fletcher reach double digits in goals this year? Are United better off without Ronaldo? Have your say below!

Thomas O'Loughlin says:

September 27, 2009 at 11:03 pm

Probably too early in the season to say if United are a better team but other players are giving an increased contribution this season after being spoilt by Ronaldo’s contribution. Rooney has been excellent along with Fletcher and Scholes and Giggs have being turning back the years, Anderson has also been impressive in the opportunites he has got.

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Amandeep Singh says:

September 27, 2009 at 10:51 pm

Fletcher is obviously correct.

I remember the same said by Fabregas when Henry left.

But ManU is surely gonna miss him at some time in the season in someway.

That one extra goal which only ronaldo could have scored!
That extra free-kick which only ronaldo could have dived to win! :)

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MUSS.se / blogg » Blog Archive » Fletcher har en poäng – som måste bevisas says:

September 27, 2009 at 10:20 pm

[...] Fletcher säger att United “befriats” sedan Ronaldo sålts. Han har definitivt en poäng i det, självklart är det inte lika självklart [...]

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