Watching the team's lack of creativity & urgency in midfield over the past few weeks had such an effect that I was positively gushing at the sight of Fletcher coming on to the field at weekend. Okay, Villa were ****e, the game was won but first impressions were that Darren picked up where he left off - clever, aggressive, energetic & at times a creative presence in the middle of the park. You have probably figured out that I'm a fan of this player but it can't be ignored that his improvement prior to his illness was progressing relentlessly as he transformed from the Scottish John O'Shea to a player with a serious reputation, that other teams (especially Wenger) did not want to see on the team sheet. Big game player and better than Fellaini (who I still think is a better forward!) so far. Early days I know as Moyes admitted that he wasn't sure where Fletcher was in terms of performance but with Carrick on his way back and the Fletch possibly getting back to his best (and beyond) it could prove a vital shot in the arm that the team needs this season. Not perfect, but better! Anyone else excited? Or am I clutching at straws like an optimistic dog waiting by the cooker for a piece of bacon to magically drop...?
I think you are being over optimistic to be honest. No doubt he's quality or at least was quality when he is fit. However I didn't see all the things you saw in the Villa game (clever, aggressive, energetic etc ). It's very early days in his return and I wish him well but I don't think we should get carried away
His condition is an unpleasant one and can flare up at any time, no matter how carefully it's managed. You can't rely on him being available for the whole of the rest of the season.
Time to spend spend spend me thinks, and please Moyes dont do an AVB on us and sign 7 players for the sake of it
1. Baines (£15m) 2. Osman (£10m) 3. Pienaar (£8m) 4. Jelavic (£11m) 5. Distin (5m) 6. Howard (£6.5m) 7. Gibson (8.000001m)
