The Scottish international has revealed today that the temptation to leave United was strong in the summer...Manchester United's Darren Fletcher has today revealed how he stood at a crossroads in his career during the summer, as he contemplated leaving Old Trafford in a search for more guaranteed first-team football, after a stop-start previous season in which he would often find a run of games suddenly curtailed.
Other clubs were hovering with interest in the established Scotland international, whose hard running, work ethic and quality use of the ball interested many other Premier League managers.
But Fletcher, after thinking over just what wearing that famous red shirt meant to him, decided to stay in Manchester.
"It was a difficult summer. I had a lot to think about in terms of what teams were interested and what I wanted to do about my future," the Scotsman told The Manchester Evening News earlier.
"My main goal was always to stay at United. I had that ambition first and foremost but at the same time, I didn't want to tie myself into a long contract if I was only going to be playing for 10 games a season.
"I didn't want to see that as my future. I am not a youngster anymore. That is all right when you are 18 or 19. It's okay picking up games then and getting experience but at my age now I really needed to be playing the majority of games," added the 25-year-old.
"The manager and me spoke about it. I only had a year left on my contract so I had a big decision to make. The boss assured me I was needed and I was a vital asset and there were different qualities I could bring to the midfield.
"Of course, there wasn't a guarantee that I would definitely play more matches. He cannot guarantee you that, but I just thought I'd give it another go.
"I believe I can do it and that is my attitude. It was a good decision."
Fletcher went on to reveal the thought processes that were running through his head as he contemplated his future.
"People might say you are silly and that if United are offering you a contract why are you thinking about going," he added.
"People were telling me I'd be stupid to go, but I am a footballer and I want to play.
"So I had to make a decision that was right for me and my family. I didn't want to be going home to my girlfriend in a bad mood because I hadn't been playing. You have to sit down and think about your future sometimes.
"Although it is great to be at United and winning things you also want to feel as though you have done something and played a big part in achieving that success. You don't want to just go along for the ride and scraping enough games together to get a medal.
"But it is hard to let go at United. I still had a lot of belief in myself so eventually I signed on again. This is the top and it doesn't get much bigger than this. Leaving is out of my head now.
"I went through that process, but my full focus is now on Manchester United."
Fletcher decided he needed to add to his game over the summer, so he hit the gym and added five kilos of muscle to his physique. He also made a conscious effort to get in to the opposition penalty area and score more goals, rather than concentrating purely on the defensive aspects of his midfield role. He has four goals to his name this season and wants more.
He also relishes his tage of a 'big game player', adding, "I'd rather be known as someone who can play in the big games than someone who can't.
"But there is a pressure situation building up now because people are taking it for granted that I am going to play well in the big occasions.
"However, I love it really. The big occasions were one of the reasons I found it so hard to leave last summer.
"That is why I wanted to come to United in the first place because I used to sit and watch the big Champions League matches on TV and the big Premier League games and wanted to be there.
"I don't mind if we are playing against the best in the world I want to challenge myself against those players. I love every minute of [games against] them."
Resource: Goal.com
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