United’s often forgotten threesome finally getting due praise

Amidst all this talk of United being a one man team there are a few unsung heroes  – Park Ji Sung, Antonio Valencia and Darren Fletcher. They are the best supporting cast in the business – a team of workaholics that allow United’s goal greedy hit man, Wayne Rooney, to take the plaudits.

Park is a manager’s dream. He chases everything, always makes the right decision and is very unselfish. He also has the knack of scoring in big games, a good skill to have. He gives United a creative presence whilst also helping out the defence. I think he’s been a bargain considering we only paid £5million for him back in 2005.

Valencia has continued to impress after a rather slow start to his United career. Although he is no Ronaldo, he dominates the right wing for the Reds with his quick feet, blistering pace and his ability to track the opposition wingers and help out the Reds’ full back. I have yet to see a better out and out winger in the Premier League so far this season. Other people may argue the likes of Lennon, Walcott and Young are on par or even better than Valencia but the difference in my opinion is Valencia’s final ball into the box – Just ask Wayne Rooney.

However, when it comes to unsung heroes, there’s one man who is head and shoulders above the rest – that man is Darren Fletcher. Earlier on in his United career he was dubbed the worst man to have ever played in United’s midfield and there were many doubts surrounding his ability to compete among the best, but he has shown over the last few seasons what a key player he is. Fletcher has quietly grown to become Roy Keane’s natural successor. His absence was a key factor in United’s 2 – 0 defeat to Barcelona in last season’s Champions League final. He was influential in the Semi-final against the Gunners, but picked up a harsh red card after a brilliantly timed tackle on Cesc Fabregas was wrongfully penalised. Fletch doesn’t do anything special, but he’s a constant thorn in the oppositions midfield with his energy and relentless hustling of opposing players which is like a king cobra in capture of its prey.  Fletcher’s role within the United team has recently become more of an attacking one with Carrick the man who now lies deep and Fletcher tries to offer support from the centre of the park. The Scotland skipper also has the ability to come up with key goals when United need it most and at the tender age of 24 there is still a lot more to come from one of the Premier League’s best spoilers.

After United’s frenetic derby win over City back in January, the man who frequently grabs the headlines Rooney hit the nail on the head:

“Darren Fletcher was unbelievable and he’s been like that for years. He’s a bit of an unsung hero for some reason but he’s what United are all about. He’s world class and I wouldn’t swap him for anyone in the world.”

So when the “big” games come along, Fergie knows who he can rely on – Park, Valencia and in particular Fletcher and who are we to argue?