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Romaleouf · 10th May 2008, 10:09

No need for a witch hunt, a result of Fletcher fanatics.

No issues in highlighting how 'great' Fletcher is, was, could be, will be etc. But once these fanatics cross the line of Fletcher > Carrick etc etc. all hell breaks loose.

Fletcher on the right... offered nothing going forward. Not fair to accrue the 'Barren Years' to him alone, but partly contributed as United played without a right wing/ right midfield.

Ronaldo is the best player on the right at the moment; widely recognised by the awards he has received.

Ronaldo > Beckham > Kanchelski > Coppell > Strachan > Chadwick > Fletcher

Ronaldo, the best. Beckham's crosses were inch-perfect. Kanchelski could tear down the right, cut in and score. Coppell brings the ball to the byeline for the deadly cross. Strachan jinks pass his man and slides the ball into the penalty area. Even Chadwick could beat two or three men with his dribbles... Fletcher ? he would stop the ball after the whole attack line has moved forward, then pass the ball back to Neville.

No no wait... Fletcher Fanatics would argue that it is not his natural position on the right. Fine.

In the middle, Fletcher has shown that he could run and harass and harry opponents. To be honest, so can the likes of Butt, Fortune, Phil Neville, etc.

At most, Fletcher has excellent attitude, so based on attitude he justified his selection. But anti-Alan Smith fans would say that attitude alone does not warrant any favours. Here we go again.

Why can't Fletcher fanatics just praise their idol and refrain from comparison with any other player? The resentment and negativity arose because instead of praising their idol, they also bashed other players.

Is Fletcher really so bad that only by demeaning other players, he would begin to look good? No, Fletcher is a good player in his own way.

Flashes of prodogical brilliance, ie. crossfield long ball to find Ruud during match against Charlton (well measured and well hit); Robson-like charge into the box to head the goal against Arsenal. etc etc.

Having said that, Fletcher has also been guilty for being shoved off the ball easily, losing possession, misplaced passes, uncompleted crosses, failing to mark key opponents in critical areas, etc.

Let's summarise, if Fletcher was really shite, he would not be able to play for United over such a long period. Whether injury has robbed his place or form or affected his level or not, it is debatable. Only great players can bounce back, eg. Keane, Solskjaer, Robson, and age is a factor to rehabilitation. If his injury has affected that much of his game, he should consider other options.

No, Fletcher is a key member of the squad, starting or not depends on Sir Alex's battle plan, most recently was to shore up the defense when a lead needs to be protected. This, Fletcher is well suited and does a good job. But, he is also not the great player the Fletcher fanatics made him out to be. Decent squad player, willing to put all his effort, that is good enough.

10th May 2008, 10:09	#68 (permalink)
Romaleouf Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 80 miles off Equator Posts: 935	Fletcher Fanatics No need for a witch hunt, a result of Fletcher fanatics. No issues in highlighting how 'great' Fletcher is, was, could be, will be etc. But once these fanatics cross the line of Fletcher > Carrick etc etc. all hell breaks loose. Fletcher on the right... offered nothing going forward. Not fair to accrue the 'Barren Years' to him alone, but partly contributed as United played without a right wing/ right midfield. Ronaldo is the best player on the right at the moment; widely recognised by the awards he has received. Ronaldo > Beckham > Kanchelski > Coppell > Strachan > Chadwick > Fletcher Ronaldo, the best. Beckham's crosses were inch-perfect. Kanchelski could tear down the right, cut in and score. Coppell brings the ball to the byeline for the deadly cross. Strachan jinks pass his man and slides the ball into the penalty area. Even Chadwick could beat two or three men with his dribbles... Fletcher ? he would stop the ball after the whole attack line has moved forward, then pass the ball back to Neville. No no wait... Fletcher Fanatics would argue that it is not his natural position on the right. Fine. In the middle, Fletcher has shown that he could run and harass and harry opponents. To be honest, so can the likes of Butt, Fortune, Phil Neville, etc. At most, Fletcher has excellent attitude, so based on attitude he justified his selection. But anti-Alan Smith fans would say that attitude alone does not warrant any favours. Here we go again. Why can't Fletcher fanatics just praise their idol and refrain from comparison with any other player? The resentment and negativity arose because instead of praising their idol, they also bashed other players. Is Fletcher really so bad that only by demeaning other players, he would begin to look good? No, Fletcher is a good player in his own way. Flashes of prodogical brilliance, ie. crossfield long ball to find Ruud during match against Charlton (well measured and well hit); Robson-like charge into the box to head the goal against Arsenal. etc etc. Having said that, Fletcher has also been guilty for being shoved off the ball easily, losing possession, misplaced passes, uncompleted crosses, failing to mark key opponents in critical areas, etc. Let's summarise, if Fletcher was really shite, he would not be able to play for United over such a long period. Whether injury has robbed his place or form or affected his level or not, it is debatable. Only great players can bounce back, eg. Keane, Solskjaer, Robson, and age is a factor to rehabilitation. If his injury has affected that much of his game, he should consider other options. No, Fletcher is a key member of the squad, starting or not depends on Sir Alex's battle plan, most recently was to shore up the defense when a lead needs to be protected. This, Fletcher is well suited and does a good job. But, he is also not the great player the Fletcher fanatics made him out to be. Decent squad player, willing to put all his effort, that is good enough.