Manchester United's Fletcher Backs Fans To Play Their Part

Manchester United's Scottish midfielder feels that 'knowing how to win' will be key for the supporters as well as the players in this season's Premier League title race.

Darren Fletcher thinks that the supporters could play a key role in the ultimate destination of this season's Premier League title, as the pressure begins to mount on Manchester United's nearest challengers Liverpool.

The Merseyside club have not won a title since 1990, and United's Scottish midfielder feels that the experience the United fans have of the pressures that go with winning will help them, as supporters in the stadium will be more patient when times are trickier than expected.

"We have the experience of having been there and done it," said Fletcher. "Liverpool maybe don't and that might bring a bit more pressure.

"But that doesn't mean they cannot handle it. However, the good thing about it is our fans have been in this position before. They have handled the pressure. It might be a close game going into the last 10 minutes but you still have to be patient. You have to be able to take chances.

"It is about the club; the staff, manager, players and supporters who have been there. They know what it is like to be chasing a title and drawing a match with 10 minutes to go. That is when the patience side of things comes into play. You just have to keep playing the right way believing the chance will come.

"You have to be ready to take it. That is what we have gained over the last few years, long before I came here. The fans are understanding in that respect."

Fletcher is also urging realism, claiming that United must not view their games in hand as mere formalities where they will claim the six points on offer simply by turning up.

"A lot has been said about the Chelsea game and how much concentration we needed, but we need the same concentration in every game," added the 24-year-old.

"You have to respect your opposition, no matter who it is. People have been looking at these games in hand and just counting them as points. But they are not `givens'. You have to earn the right to win. We are desperate to do that. These games cannot come soon enough for us. We don't want the games in hand. Let's get them won, get back to level pegging in terms of games played, and push on from there.

"It is a hectic period with a lot of games coming up. But we are well prepared for it and we are looking forward to it."

The Scotsman insists that he and his Old Trafford team-mates are very much up for the challenge though, and loving their involvement at the 'business end' of the table.

"We want to start making up the ground and winning matches to go on a run of winning games. It is all to play for in every competition and we are relishing it all," he explained.

United play one of their games in hand against Wigan Athletic tonight at Old Trafford, and will be looking to beat their Lancashire rivals in order to up the pressure on Chelsea and Liverpool.

Resource: Goal.com