TF90M feels that Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes are a credit to their profession and the perfect role models for the next generation.
Tuesday 5 May 2009
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, following his harsh dismissal for a seemingly fair tackle on Cesc Fabregas, walks off the pitch not protesting, despite knowing he will miss the Champions League final.
Wednesday 6 May 2009
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba rants and raves, screaming expletives at the TV cameras and hurls verbal abuse at referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.
The clear distinction between Drogba's foul-mouthed "overreaction" after Chelsea controversially exited the Champions League and Fletcher's respectable reaction to his sending off and subsequent suspension illustrates the difference in characters but also demonstrates how Fletcher is the epitome of a model professional.
Fletcher's will to win - be it matches or challenges - is signified in the fact that he would never pull out of a tackle, not even when his team are virtually already through to the final and the risk of suspension is looming large. It is that reason why, added to the wrong refereeing decision, he missed the final in Rome. It is also the reason why United were such comprehensive winners at the Emirates. Fletcher's determination added to his behaviour shows why he has cemented himself as a key player at Old Trafford.
Looking back a few years ago it seems strange that Fletcher was among the group of young players at Old Trafford to be criticised by then club captain Roy Keane for caring more about their extortionate salaries and luxury purchases than for the trophies they could have won. However if Keane had been watching the Champions League encounter he would have no doubt altered his opinion, perhaps viewing some of his own personal qualities in the Scotsman. He would have also been able to sympathise with Fletcher for in 1999 Keane's competitiveness cost him a place in the final.
It is likely that Fletcher due to his impressive big-game performances would have made the starting eleven for the final, and it is the fact that his reaction to missing the biggest game of his career was so respectable that sums up his true professionalism.
His professional attitude is similarly comparable with fellow Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes who has, throughout his career, managed to shift the media spotlight whilst producing world-class performances. It is these two, that amongst their star-studded team mates who are covered constantly by the world's press such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, who stay truly professional and are good role models for the young people watching.
As with Scholes in 1999, the Manchester United fans, players and staff owe a large debt of gratitude to the player who had to sit and watch the final in frustration, restricted to wearing the club suit.
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