FLETCHER STILL EXPECTS TO PLAY

Last updated : 24 July 2006 By Ed

Darren Fletcher has said he is willing to fight for his place in the team next season.

He said: "Maybe there will be a new midfielder.

"This is Manchester United. There are new players coming in all the time.

"The club need to buy players to progress. It is all part of being here.

"But the situation is fair. If you are performing the manager will pick you."

He also reiterated the importance of getting of to a god start next season.

"The start is important because if you are playing catch-up for the rest of the season its hard," .

"At least the one thing we did manage last season was to finish second, so we do not have the distraction of playing in the Champions League qualifiers before the Premiership starts.

"We have three or four weeks of the league before we even have to think about Europe."

Meanwhile Kieran Richardson is expecting a successful season at the club.

"I am looking for big things this season because I have a lot to prove to myself and to others.

"I hope I will show what I can do because United is certainly the place to be.

"I have my fingers crossed that it's going to be big season for the club and for me." He said.