Fletcher hails Keane as his biggest influence at Man Utd

Darren Fletcher believes it was Roy Keane’s strong influence which has helped the Scotland international become the player he is today.

"I’m the only one still here from my year group,” said Fletcher.

"There were others who could control, pass and shoot the ball as good as me but I think football is played in your head. It is the way you deal with everything: being at Manchester United.

"Roy was probably the biggest influence on my career," Fletcher continued. "He would come down hard on me if I ever did anything wrong but he made me realise what it meant to be a Manchester United player. I can remember coming in from training one day and checking my mobile phone for text messages.

"Well, that was it. He absolutely hammered me, all the way into the gym. He was a great influence, really. If Roy had a go at you, he did it because he cared. He was the best captain you could wish for.

"He would tear you to shreds on the pitch if you gave away the ball, 'get your effing touch right, effing this, effing that' but, as soon as you got into the dressing room, it was over. He was a winner. I’ve met dedicated professionals but he had something else."