Darren Fletcher Helps Make Manchester United Unbeatable

A little over a year ago, I wrote my first article here on Bleacher Report. In it, I defended Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea, two vital cogs in the Manchester United machine as I saw it.

Today, I again write about Darren Fletcher and his importance to the United cause.

Fletcher has been in top form of late and for the first time in his Old Trafford career, is a definite starter. The 24 year old Scot has made the ball winning role his own this term, thanks partly to injuries to the likes of Paul Scholes handing him a run in the side and a chance to prove himself.

And prove himself he certainly has.

Manchester United's form has been indifferent in the Barclay's Premier League and that indifference has led me to look a little closer at the involvement of Fletcher.

The 40 times capped midfielder has played in 10 Premier League games this season and United have won 70 percent of them. More crucially, Man United have not tasted defeat in a game Darren Fletcher has started.

In contrast, the Red Devils have played five games without the Scot and they lost two of them. Two wins leaves a win rate of just 40 percent without Fletcher, compared to 70 percent with the Scottish midfielder. 

Liverpool and Arsenal both took advantage of a missing Fletcher to give United their two defeats so far this season. With Fletcher, they drew at Chelsea.

Throw in three vital goals and you have one of United's most important players.

His basic passing and ball retention are the perfect contrasts to his more illustrious opponents skills and attacking flair.

Keep possession and find a teammate; it seems simple enough but add in his energy and cutting edge runs (which have earned him his goals this season) and he offers plenty to Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

Can anyone argue that he doesn't look class? Can anyone argue that he isn't now vital to Manchester United's Championship cause?

I think Sir Alex has been proven right once again.

Darren Fletcher is MORE than good enough and with the Scot in the side, Manchester United are unbeatable.