Fletch: We've got the edge

Darren Fletcher suspects that United’s FA Cup hammering of Arsenal has already had an impact on the Premier League title race.

The Gunners are without a win in three matches and their last-gasp failure to beat Birmingham on Saturday, married to United’s hammering of Newcastle, saw Arsenal's lead at the top of the table cut to just three points.


In light of both sides' initial reactions to the Old Trafford cup clash, Fletcher feels United have assumed psychological superiority as the season enters its most crucial stage.

“The title race was open even before today,” Fletcher told MUTV after the 5-1 romp at St James’ Park. “We know Arsenal have still got to come to Old Trafford too.

“But that result last week maybe had a little psychological edge. We went out there and played fantastically against Arsenal and managed to win convincingly, and they’ve not won since.

“It’s getting to the nitty-gritty now, we’ve been there last season and we know what it’s about. We’re hoping to push on and keep winning every game now until the end of the season – that’s the target.”

Fletcher and Michael Carrick joined forces in the centre of midfield against the Magpies, relegating Anderson and Paul Scholes to the bench while Owen Hargreaves was omitted entirely from the 16-man squad.

With United’s strength in depth plain for all to see, the Scottish midfielder feels the Reds are better equipped this season to cope with the demands of chasing three trophies.

“Sometimes it’s a struggle to get on the bench, but that’s only good for Manchester United because you know that when you get your chance you have to perform to a top, top level,” he said.

“Sometimes even that’s not good enough because the team gets rotated, so there’s no room for bad performances and that keeps everyone on their toes.

“That’s why we’ve got a big squad and we’re fighting on all fronts, which is going to help us because we didn’t have that last season. I think we’re going to see the benefit of that this season.”

source : http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=535538