Fletcher targets more goals

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is hoping to up his goalscoring record after netting against Bursaspor.

The 26-year-old Scotland international got the ball rolling for United in their UEFA Champions League clash in Turkey on Tuesday night, which the Red Devils went on to comfortably win 3-0.

Fletcher has only scored 21 goals in more than 250 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit, with a season high of just five.

But he is now targeting a more potent strike-rate and could loosen his defensive shackles slightly.

"Sometimes you have to be a little bit selfish," Fletcher said.

"When I am on the field I tend to think 'can I attack' and concentrate on being disciplined and organised.

"You are well drilled at Manchester United. You are made aware of quick counter-attacks and the need to get back into position.

"It is important you react when the team loses the ball. But it is a fine balance between that and being brave enough to get yourself into the box and creating scoring opportunities.

"When I was younger I scored a lot more goals so my first target is to get to five and take it from there.

"But all the midfield players are trying to step up their goals ratio.

"Nani has really come to the fore this season but he is just part of it. All the midfielders should be capable of getting their fair share and that will help the team as a whole."

United stalwart Paul Scholes has made a career from scoring countless goals from midfield and Fletcher admits he wants to emulate the 35-year-old.

"Paul made a career from getting into the box and being a total midfielder, being able to defend, then making those late runs," he added.

"I have watched and learned from him because he still picks his moments even now.

"He is so dangerous when he gets near the box, which is something I am looking to do because I feel I have the stamina to get myself into the box and also get back to do my defensive duties."