FLETCHER UP FER IT

From The Independent:

‘"The gaffer wanted us to hit the ground running," explained Fletcher. "We came back early for pre-season, and that seems to have happened. We were back way before the beginning of July. It cut the holiday short - it's not all glamorous being a professional footballer. You cannot give yourself a month off in the close-season now. That's how important it was for us to respond after what was a disappointing season."

The hurt of being left in Chelsea's Premiership wake and that FA Cup final defeat by Arsenal was not softened for Fletcher by the award of a new four-year-contract. The 21-year-old has already embraced the man's world of the Old Trafford dressing room. "I think being completely written off has hurt everyone, especially the manager," said Fletcher. "He is a very proud man. I had two years left on my contract but when you're given a new contract by Manchester United, you are hopefully going to be there for a long time and be seen as part of their future."’