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Darren Fletcher hoping Manchester United finish top of Champions League group
The Scottish midfielder understands the challenge of qualifying for the next round, but thinks the Red Devils should be aiming to win Group C to avoid the big guns
21 Nov 2011 11:03:00
By Adithya Ananth
Darren Fletcher insists Manchester United will not be satisfied with qualifying for the next stage of the Champions League and instead want to ensure they finish top of Group C.
The Red Devils take on Benfica at Old Trafford on Tuesday night knowing that even a victory may see them needing a point from the last game - away to Basel - to make it through to the last 16 in the tournament.
But the Scotland international believes that the club should still aim to win the group to improve their chances in the knockout stages.
"You do want to finish top," Fletcher told reporters.
"It give you little perks like having the second leg at home.
"There are a few aspects to topping the group which benefit you in the long run."
The midfielder also wants Manchester United to avoid the same pitfalls that befell Arsenal last season.
The Gunners became complacent in their group and subsequently allowed Shakhtar Donetsk to top the group.
They ended up with Barcelona in the last 16, while the Premier League champions faced Marseille as a reward for topping their group.
Fletcher added: "First and foremost you look to qualify for the knockout stages but we saw Arsenal finish second last season and end up with Barcelona in the first knockout round.
"Although people say you have to beat these teams if you want to win the competition, it is good to avoid them until later on."
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The Red Devils take on Benfica at Old Trafford on Tuesday night knowing that even a victory may see them needing a point from the last game - away to Basel - to make it through to the last 16 in the tournament.
But the Scotland international believes that the club should still aim to win the group to improve their chances in the knockout stages.
"You do want to finish top," Fletcher told reporters.
"It give you little perks like having the second leg at home.
"There are a few aspects to topping the group which benefit you in the long run."
The midfielder also wants Manchester United to avoid the same pitfalls that befell Arsenal last season.
The Gunners became complacent in their group and subsequently allowed Shakhtar Donetsk to top the group.
They ended up with Barcelona in the last 16, while the Premier League champions faced Marseille as a reward for topping their group.
Fletcher added: "First and foremost you look to qualify for the knockout stages but we saw Arsenal finish second last season and end up with Barcelona in the first knockout round.
"Although people say you have to beat these teams if you want to win the competition, it is good to avoid them until later on."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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