There are key moments, which often define a footballer’s career.
Zidane’s volley against Leverkusen, Aguero’s injury time league winner, Cantona’s audacious chip and Wayne Rooney’s overhead kick. These moments come to the biggest of players at the biggest of occasions. They prove the difference between a good player, and a player at their peak. Darren Fletcher however, never reached such a poetic crescendo. Instead, he was diagnosed with a condition that could’ve ended his life, let alone his career. Yet, like he had done time again, Fletcher fought the good fight. Though he might not have won, Fletcher’s career stands as the shining example of the indomitable spirit. A rare representation of true grit, in a world ruled by technical mastery.
Despite a rapid rise through the youth ranks of United, Darren Fletcher’s start was marred by injuries. Despite his undeniable talent, he flattered to deceive. Some parties believed that Fletcher’s selection was down to him being the only Scot in Sir Alex’s team. However, he slowly began winning everyone over. The Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year award, stood as a first of many testaments of the Scot’s ability
This proved another struggle, as he often played second fiddle to the likes of Beckham and Keane. While other’s would’ve moved on to easier pastures, the competition only served to strengthen his resolve. His key performances leading up to United’s 2004 F.A Cup win, proved his utility as a squad player. He took every starting opportunity before him and began to establish himself.
With the departures of Keane and Beckham, Fletcher was pipped to be the cog in United’s midfield. However, Ferguson preferred the quartet of Hargreaves, Ronaldo, Nani and Scholes in midfield, pushing Fletcher further down the pecking order. When push inevitably came to shove, Fletcher solidified himself in the team once again. With the injury to Hargreaves, Fletcher added dynamism to the duo of Scholes and Carrick, and served as Untied’s power house midfielder, all through the 2008-09 Champions League campaign. A highly controversial yellow card ruled him out of the final, leading Barcelona’s to dismantle United at Rome. The game served to starkly highlight Fletcher’s irreplaceability. Jose Mourinho had famously commented before the final,
“Fletcher is more important than people think. His work in midfield, especially in the midfield ‘wars’, in crucial matches is very important. Man United will miss his pace and aggression in defensive actions: he ‘eats’ opponents in defensive transition. I believe Xavi and Andres Iniesta are happy Fletch is not playing.”
Wether or not Fletcher could’ve saved United against the best Barcelona generation since Cruyff, is debatable. However he would’ve given United something he always has- The Ability to fight.
Having being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis before the final, Fletcher realised that he would’ve have to spend time on the sidelines. However, two whole years were longer than anyone expected. His departure from United didn’t leave them crippled, but it took away industry and belief, which they are yet to replicate. The likes of Anderson and Cleverley flattered to deceive, leaving the once feared United midfield, the weakest limb of their side. What was perhaps more painful than watching United’s midfield, was Fletcher’s own personal battle.
In a recent interview, Fletcher revealed what he had been going through. Before, fans found it hard to understand the rare ailment that inflicted him. After his reveal however, many were left feeling sick to their own stomach, after realising the agonies he had to endure.
The physical strain however was only part of it. The mental anguish he underwent was nothing short of traumatic. The sheer inability to do anything with his children, left Fletcher in a state of withdrawal few would comprehend. In the world of modern football, the most common mental issues we seem to find are when a striker goes through a dry spell, or when a team go on a losing run. What Fletcher had to undergo was slowly making him lose the will to live. He often had to come to terms with his own mortality, He once said,
‘But then that day arrives, when you realise that life is just non-existent, you are almost begging them to take you. You go from putting off surgery and being petrified of it to this sense of desperation; you’re that low, you’re like “take me now”.’
Apart from the scores of United fans, supporting all the way, Fletcher also had a very close aid. The biggest man at Old Trafford, Sir Alex, was personal source of comfort in Fletcher’s most painful moments. He dealt with the injury the utmost respect and privacy. Fletcher would often wonder what part he had to play in United’s future. Ferguson understood Feltcher’s struggle, yet believed more than anyone (even Fletcher himself) that he was going to fight it off, much like he had done everything in his life.
Early this season, Fletcher began to re-emerge. However six years of battling with an illness that seriously undermined his ability to make the most of the considerable talent he possesses. He showed pangs of his old ability against Real Madrid, in a preseason game, yet it only served as a simmer of greatness amongst moments of mediocrity.
Darren Fletcher will never be etched into the echleons of United’s history, yet he is a player who deserves every ounce of respect one can give. United’s own midfield virtuoso, Paul Scholes spoke at length about his unmatched moral character.
No one would have blamed him if he had decided to call it a day. He took a while to make up his mind over whether to have the operation on his large intestine, which was a success and put him on the road to a comeback two years ago.
Fletch’s experience with ulcerative colitis was horrendous. The closest I got to a career-ending condition was a dispersed blood clot on my eye that clouded my vision.
In an age where United’s youth are slowly rising to the challenges of the first team, their hopes and ambition are driven by the successes of The Class of ’92. The example of Fletcher should be one they draw inspiration from in their moments of truest self doubt.
In many ways he embodied the true values that formed the very fabric of the club. He wasn’t always the hero United wanted, but he was definitely the one they needed, and more importantly, deserved.
photo credits: Getty images, Barclays photo stream
The Phantom Forward 