|
|
Darren Fletcher: I Didn't Choose Manchester United Over Scotland
The Red Devils' midfielder elaborates on his decision to go against his national team boss by taking the field at Wembley.
Aug 11, 2009 3:11:13 AM
Darren Fletcher has given his reasoning behind his decision to pay no heed to the advice of George Burley, the manager of the Scotland national team.
Burley had reportedly told his squad regular to concentrate on the progress of Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers, but Fletcher believes that opting out of the Community Shield clash against Chelsea may have sent him down the pecking order at Manchester United.
"The Scotland manager obviously asked me about not playing but I want to play as many games as I can," the 25-year-old told the Daily Record.
"I've got to try to win a place in the United team and there is a lot of competition around the squad."
The midfielder then went on to reassure Burley that he had no intention of denting his performance by choosing club over country.
"I don't want to be skipping United games but I was always going to be available for Scotland," he remarked.
"That was always going to be the case.
"There was never any doubt. But I've also always got to concentrate on my club career and they [international and club career] both go hand in hand."
The Red Devil will captain his country when Norway visit Glasgow for a crunch World Cup qualifying game.
Adithya Ananth, Goal.com
For all the latest transfer news visit Goal.com's Transfer Zone.
Burley had reportedly told his squad regular to concentrate on the progress of Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers, but Fletcher believes that opting out of the Community Shield clash against Chelsea may have sent him down the pecking order at Manchester United.
"The Scotland manager obviously asked me about not playing but I want to play as many games as I can," the 25-year-old told the Daily Record.
"I've got to try to win a place in the United team and there is a lot of competition around the squad."
The midfielder then went on to reassure Burley that he had no intention of denting his performance by choosing club over country.
"I don't want to be skipping United games but I was always going to be available for Scotland," he remarked.
"That was always going to be the case.
"There was never any doubt. But I've also always got to concentrate on my club career and they [international and club career] both go hand in hand."
The Red Devil will captain his country when Norway visit Glasgow for a crunch World Cup qualifying game.
Adithya Ananth, Goal.com
For all the latest transfer news visit Goal.com's Transfer Zone.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.