Vital United claim all-important second spot, says Fletcher

DARREN FLETCHER has admitted it is imperative Manchester United do not finish below second spot in the Premiership this term.

Not only did Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn end any realistic hope of the Red Devils overhauling champions-elect Chelsea, it also allowed Arsenal to push them back into third following their comfortable victory over Norwich.

Unless United can reverse positions with the Gunners over the final seven games, for the second season running they will start their campaign with a potentially hazardous Champions League qualifier.