Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher: Trophy parade helped lift players’ spirits after Champions League final defeat

Darren Fletcher (Getty Images)

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Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has praised the club’s supporters following Monday’s trophy parade.

The Scotland international admits the players were still feeling low from their Champions League final defeat at the hands of Barcelona but the fans helped to cheer them up.
 
“The lads loved the parade,” he told MUTV.

“Even though it rained, the turn-out was fantastic. Obviously a few of the lads were down after Saturday when we met up but the fans have picked us up.

“This is my first parade like this. I remember watching the one in 1999 and thinking how amazing it was.

“I can’t believe the turn-out. The lads are really surprised and genuinely humbled by the turn-out. It makes us realise again what great fans we’ve got.”

Fletcher, 27, revealed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson urged his players to celebrate their title success.  

“The boss told us to enjoy ourselves and remember we’ve won the league, the 19th title,” he said.

“We also got to the Champions league final and it’s been a fantastic season.

“Ultimately the last game was a disappointment and that’s the one you tend to remember but I think today is going to see us out on a high.”

The midfielder is looking forward to relaxing over the summer before switching his attentions towards retaining United’s Premier League crown next season.

He added: “There’s always pressure. It’s expected every year.

“These fans expect it and we’ve got to rise to those expectations as individuals and as a team. We want to win it again, we want to keep achieving.

“It’s nice to relax now. It’s been a long season and the lads have got a few knocks. It’s nice to recharge your batteries.”