Start to finish: My, how the Reds were in debt to Fletch as the title defence stuttered into gear back in August. The Scot scored United’s first two goals to secure a point against Newcastle on the opening day and a tricky win down at Portsmouth on the following Bank Holiday Monday. A third league strike of the season added another point to the tally in that ‘game of two halves’ at Goodison in October, but it was Fletcher’s tireless running, flawless chasing down and chasing back, and thrusts forward in support of his team-mates that characterised a season ill-deserving of its cruelly curtailed finish.
In position: In early season, with Ronaldo out injured after Euro 2008, Fletch was picked to play right midfield, a position he frequently filled in 2003/04 after David Beckham’s departure. But with Ronny back, he reverted to his preferred, deeper central role, enjoying success alongside Carrick (predominantly), Giggs, Paul Scholes and Anderson.
Season highlight: Against Chelsea at Old Trafford, the surprise inclusion (and dominance) of Giggsy stole the headlines, but Fletch’s movement and creativity were equally impressive. Chelsea’s much-vaunted trio of Michael Ballack, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel couldn’t get near United’s central pairing, who were in a different class.
Vital contribution: Given the freedom to get forward against Portsmouth, Fletch ghosted in at the near post to convert Patrice Evra’s low ball.
Any lows? We'll never know whether Darren would have nullified Barcelona's midfield geniuses in the Champions League final, following his controversial red card in the semi at Arsenal.
Any other business? In December, Fletch scored one of United's five goals in the FIFA Club World Cup final. In February, he took time out along with Ben Foster to take a training session for kids from the National Deaf Children’s Society. The kids learned plenty about football, and Darren and Ben learned how to do their names in sign language.
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