Opportunity knocks for in-form Fletcher

DARREN FLETCHER is eager to use Manchester United’s current personnel crisis to cement his place in the Red Devils’ first team.

The Scotland international was only a substitute during United’s Champions League triumph in Moscow last May. But he has quickly been transformed into an integral member of Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up.

With Cristiano Ronaldo still more than a month away from a return following ankle surgery and Nani serving the last fixture of a three-match ban picked up for his dismissal against West Ham last term, Fletcher will retain the right-sided midfield berth for tonight’s trip to Portsmouth.