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Darren Fletcher admits Manchester United are 'desperate' to reach Champions League final
Scottish midfielder has missed out on United's last three European finals and insists his own desire to play in this season's showpiece game is matched by his team-mates
25 Nov 2011 12:10:00
By Matt Scott
Getty Images
Darren Fletcher is hoping to finally play in a European final for Manchester United and believes that his colleagues are just as committed to progressing yet again in the Champions League.
Fletcher missed the 2008 Champions League final as an unused substitute against Chelsea and missed the following year's European showpiece against Barcelona through suspension before illness decimated his campaign last year including missing another final loss to the Spanish champions at Wembley.
United have drawn three of their five games in the competition so far this season, most recently in the 2-2 tie with Benfica on Tuesday, but a point against Basel in a fortnight's time would see Sir Alex Ferguson's progress to the knockout stage.
"Playing in a final is still a goal for me." Fletcher told The Sun.
He explained: "Obviously, Scholesy had a wonderful range of passing and could control the tempo of games and, as we get more experienced, that's something we'll be looking to do.
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Fletcher missed the 2008 Champions League final as an unused substitute against Chelsea and missed the following year's European showpiece against Barcelona through suspension before illness decimated his campaign last year including missing another final loss to the Spanish champions at Wembley.
United have drawn three of their five games in the competition so far this season, most recently in the 2-2 tie with Benfica on Tuesday, but a point against Basel in a fortnight's time would see Sir Alex Ferguson's progress to the knockout stage.
"Playing in a final is still a goal for me." Fletcher told The Sun.
"As a team, we're all desperate to get there again — I don't think I'm different from the rest in that sense.
"Some of the lads who have played in the last two are no doubt driven by their disappointment.
"The motivation is there for all of us and hopefully we can get there again."
Fletcher recently played in his 300th game for Manchester United and despite his European heartbreak in recent years, the Scot is delighted to have racked up so many appearances.
He continued: "It was a great moment to reach such a milestone.
"The time has flown since my debut and I've enjoyed everything about playing for Manchester United.
"It's all I've ever known and it's become my home. It's an achievement I want to build on. The next target has to be 350, then 400 and so on.
"I have felt good ever since the start of the season and I am pleased with how things have gone so far. The more games that you play, the more sharpness you get.
"The experience you pick up along the way is a massive thing. You hear people talk about it when you're younger, but it's only when you get older that you realise its importance.
"It's about different situations on the pitch. You learn what it takes to succeed, what you need to do in certain matches and how to prepare for games so everything eventually becomes second nature."
Fletcher is now one of the more experienced members of the United squad, taking over from players like Paul Scholes and the Scot would like to replicate the former England stars' game.He explained: "Obviously, Scholesy had a wonderful range of passing and could control the tempo of games and, as we get more experienced, that's something we'll be looking to do.
"Manchester United always keeps moving forward. If one player leaves or retires the team is still in place.
"The manager has always kept things moving forward. This club never stands still."
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