Fletcher plays down transfer speculation

Darren Fletcher insists the only person he will listen to about any speculation linking him with a move away from Old Trafford is Alex Ferguson.

As most of the talk around Manchester United this summer has concerned Cristiano Ronaldo, not too much attention has been devoted to Fletcher.

Yet, after finding his first-team opportunities severely restricted last term, it is little wonder some pundits believe it would be better if the Scotland international moved on.

Boyhood favourites Celtic might be one option, while plenty of United’s Premier League rivals would be interested if Fletcher found himself on the market.

However, the 23-year-old is not allowing himself to get distracted by such rumours. And, as United embark on their tour of South Africa, the player is content to concentrate on that.

“The speculation does not get on my nerves,” he told MUTV. “At this time of year, people make news out of nothing. You learn to deal with that here.

“The most important thing is to remain focussed on Manchester United unless anyone tells you otherwise that is what you do.”

There has been no indication from Ferguson that Fletcher is surplus to requirements.

Indeed, the United boss appears more intent on bringing players in, and sorting out a new assistant following the departure of highly-regarded Carlos Queiroz to coach the Portugal national side.

Tottenham’s Dimitar Berbatov remains high on United’s hit-list, although Ferguson will not be held to ransom for the Bulgarian.

And even though the Red Devils will not be back in the UK for almost a fortnight as they play against the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates before taking on Portsmouth in Nigeria on July 27, attempts to bring in new faces will continue.