Quote:
Originally Posted by Brad
I want what is best for United, and that means a squad of players competiting for a starting place. Fletcher isn't. If he plays, we are a weaker team than if someone else was starting in his place
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Sounds like you're saying Fletcher has no place at the club, or at least that his continued presence isn't "what is best for United". I would strongly disagree with that.
You bring up the notion of competing for starting jobs at every position, but I think you're overstating it. In some positions there's competition in that you know that if you slack off or are have a poor run of form, someone will come in and do your job - someone like Fletcher. But we have a clear cut first choice in many positions, which is exactly the way Ferguson wants it. He's not going to bring in another CB the caliber of Rio/Vidic, a left back as talented as Evra, or a goalie as experienced or well-regarded as Van der Sar. We also wouldn't look to bring in Leo Messi so that we can choose one from Messi/Ronaldo, depending on who's competing better for that position.
There's competition within our squad, but there are also clear-cut first choices, which is as I believe it should be. Chelsea tried the "bring in two to internationals at every position" approach, but that's something no club with any fiscal discipline can even attempt.