Some things in football, much like the Bermuda Triangle are at times simply unexplainable. Why Sir Alex Ferguson, not buy a central midfielder in his last few years, when his side badly needed one? Why did he let Paul Pogba go? Why did David Moyes decide to buy Marouane Fellaini, when United needed a central midfielder and not a battering ram up front?
While there are plenty of different answers for all of those questions, there is one thing that is common central theme to all of those questions and that is Darren Fletcher. The 30-year-old loyal Scot has been a part of the United setup from the age of 11 and after a rough start to his first-team career, he was an integral part of the side in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons. His partnership with both Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick during that time meant gave the side a solid midfield platform to build on.
The fact that he was an integral part of a successful United side itself, came as a surprise to many, as they thought that the only reason why he was in the first-team was because he hailed from the same country as the United manager at the time. But Fletcher’s energy, industry and ability to be effective between both boxes meant that he was a vital cog in the United machine that won three-straight League titles.
But ever since it came out that Fletcher was suffering from ulcerative colitis, a condition that almost led to him quitting the game altogether, some have been much more sympathetic towards the central midfielder. When he made his return to first-team football in September 2012 and then again last month, after an operation, there were plenty of United fans who were happy to see him back. The same United fans who wanted him gone less than a decade ago.
Pleased by his recovery, Louis Van Gaal made him vice-captain at the start of the season. Halfway through the season though, Fletcher has only made five starts, one of which was in the FA Cup against Yeovil. And while that might be too early to draw any conclusions about his performances, the truth is that the Scot has struggled to replicate the form he showed before his injury.
One of his greatest assets was his industry and his ability to close opponents down and put them under pressure. Right now, whether due to his age, his fitness or the position he has been asked to play, that energy and desire to close people down has been missing from his game. His positioning has created unrest among the back four, who are already low on confidence. But perhaps his biggest failing so far has been his passing.
One of the reasons why he was picked in the 2009/10 Premier League Team of the Year was his ability to both attack and defend with equal ease. Whether it was closing down opponents and making a crucial tackle or going forward and scoring goals and creating chances, Fletcher managed to do, with an air of authority, thereby repaying the faith shown by his manager.
So far at least, he has looked a pale imitation of his former self. His passing, which was, before his injury, crisp and forward-thinking is now regressive and puts his defense under pressure. Although his pass accuracy is 90%, much of it is either sideways or backwards and with an inexperienced defense, that is possibly the last thing you would want your midfielder to do.
While the decline in his pace can be attributed to the fact that he is only just coming back from full fitness, his ineffectiveness in the air and inability to link up with the attack, which was one of his strong suits before his injury means that the time has for Van Gaal to look at other options in central midfield.
With Michael Carrick being promoted as the vice-captain, it looks as though the Dutchman has realised that there is no room for sentiment in football. And with the likes of Ben Pearson and Nick Powell coming through the ranks, it is only fair that the youngsters who are on the outside looking in, get a chance to show the manager just what they can do.
With Fletcher in the starting XI, the youngsters are less likely to get a chance and that is why Van Gaal should ensure that the youngsters coming through the ranks get more opportunities while retaining the experience of Fletcher in the squad.