Tough start will make us stronger - Fletch

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is confident the big challenges that lie immediately ahead will bring out the best in the squad. Just like last year, the Red Devils have opened their Premier League title defence in disappointing fashion. Twelve months ago Reading left Old Trafford with a share of the spoils. This time it was Kevin Keegan's Newcastle who caused the shock. While Keegan will hope to avoid the fate that eventually befell Reading, for United there is little time to dwell on the two dropped points. Most of Ferguson's players have international commitments to fulfil before the Red Devils take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Monday. Then, once United have met Zenit St Petersburg in the Super Cup on August 29 and their players have competed in World Cup qualifiers for their countries, they face... [read full story]