Defensively minded Darren Fletcher wants to score more goals
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher said he is looking to improve his offensive game after grabbing his team's first goal against Bursaspor in the Champions League.
Fletcher scored shortly after the break against the Turkish champions on Tuesday, 2 November, when he collected Michael Carrick's pass in the box and sent a shot into the far corner.
After the game, the Scot said that his desire to contribute more going forward is sometimes thwarted by his defensive duties as a two-way midfielder.
"Sometimes you have to be a little bit selfish," the 26-year-old told reporters. "When I am on the field I tend to think 'can I attack?' and concentrate on being disciplined and organised. It is important you react when the team loses the ball. But it is
a fine balance between that and being brave enough to get yourself into the box and creating scoring opportunities."
Learning to time runs from Paul Scholes
Fletcher, who has become known as a defensive midfielder during his nine seasons with United, added that he is constantly learning how to time his offensive runs from his veteran teammate Paul Scholes, one of the Premier League's best ever midfielders.
"Paul made a career from getting into the box and being a total midfielder, being able to defend, then making those late runs. I have watched and learned from him because he still picks his moments even now. He is so dangerous when he gets near the box,
which is something I am looking to do because I feel I have the stamina to get myself into the box and also get back to do my defensive duties."
The Scottish national team captain scored five goals in all competitions last season, his highest scoring to date.
With his defensive obligations in mind, Fletcher said he has set his target for United's current campaign at the same number, having already scored three goals for his team.
"When I was younger I scored a lot more goals so my first target is to get to five and take it from there."
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