Fletcher: United Liberated by Ronaldo Departure

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.”