Matt Monaghan's Manchester United Special: Darren Fletcher Conjures Moment Worthy Of Zinedine Zidane

Flamboyant volley brings to mind French grand master

Nov 21, 2009 8:15:56 PM

More On :  Man Utd.
EPL: Darren Fletcher, Manchester United v Everton (Getty Images)

As soon as Darren Fletcher’s graceful half-volley hit the back of the net, the memories flooded back of Zinedine Zidane at his majestic best.

The Scotsman’s moment of genius in the 35th minute broke Everton’s resolve and set Manchester United on the path to a comfortable 3-0 victory.

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Comparisons to 'Zizou'’s classic strike in the Champions League final of 2002 do not flatter the quality of the goal.

Both men finished with elegant precision to leave the goalkeeper stranded. While Zidane’s place is settled in the pantheon of the sport’s greats, Fletcher is steadily carving his name in to the Old Trafford hall of fame.

Few could have expected the ball to find the top corner after Antonio Valencia’s accurate header back, but Fletcher’s measured sweep from the edge of the box saw it sail in.

The transformation from pariah to messiah has been remarkable. Whistled from the stands in campaigns past, the crowd now adore his every move.

His shot resembled the French maestro at his finest, but the overall performance was cast in the image of Roy Keane as he snapped into every tackle. Everton never stood a chance as the Scotland captain led by example.

United’s stirring performance at Stamford Bridge failed to be rewarded with a share of the spoils, but the three points were all theirs this evening.

Each standout player on the pitch was clad in red and a midfield consigned to the scrap heap in the early months of the season stood up to be counted.


Magician | Fletcher's goal bore Zidane's hallmark

Written off as expensive flops in previous weeks, Michael Carrick and Valencia joined Fletcher on the score sheet. This was just recompense for the men who proved the difference on the night.

Valencia tore apart his former team-mate from Wigan Athletic, Leighton Baines, and Carrick showed Ferguson that life in Manchester could be fine without rumoured transfer target Jack Rodwell.

Joy was found out wide throughout the 90 minutes and David Moyes’ patched-together side was never in contention.

The Toffees didn’t expect a goal of the month contender to be hammered home to break the deadlock. In truth, this was exactly what the hosts deserved as they showed their superiority in every area of the park.

The search for a talismanic figure at the Theatre of Dreams began with the summer departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. Fletcher stepped into the breach in stunning fashion against Everton and is showing with each passing match that he will join the Portuguese in the list of the United elite.

Matt Monaghan, Goal.com UK
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