Exclusive – Man United didn’t want me to leave, insists Fletcher

New West Brom signing Darren Fletcher has told SPORT Press Manchester United did not want him to leave the club.

 

The Red Devils allowed the Baggies to sign Scotland star Fletcher, 31, on a free transfer after 19 years at Old Trafford.

But he has insisted manager Louis van Gaal, who called Fletcher his third captain at the weekend, was reluctant to let him exit Manchester United.

He told the Sports Bar: “Manchester United are a fantastic club and I’ve got so many great memories there but I feel it’s time for a new challenge for me.

“I haven’t had as many games as I would like this season and, after everything I’ve been through, I’m a professional football player. I want to play football and hopefully I can do that at West Brom. They’ve given me the opportunity to do that.

“I’m leaving Manchester United but I’ve got so many happy memories and got to know so many great people there I’m leaving with a smile on my face.

“I spoke to the manager [Louis van Gaal] about not playing as much as I wanted and the club didn’t really want me to go but they respected my wishes.

“The manager and Ed Woodward have been fantastic. I cannot speak highly enough of them. I have great respect for them and how they have dealt with this. They helped me as much as possible and made the move possible. I have to thank them for being professional and catering for my wishes.”

And Fletcher has hailed new boss Tony Pulis for making him feel wanted at the Hawthorns.

He added: “Tony Pulis, my new gaffer, has been fantastic. He’s a big reason why I am at West Brom. He really, really wanted me.

“I had many conversations with him and when you have a manager who believes in you and wants you, as a professional footballer, you want to repay him and it gives you great confidence.”