By Chris O'Brien
April 12 2005

Middlesbrough are said to be keen on bringing frustrated Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher to the Riverside. The North East club could offer the Scotsman a temporary escape route from the anguish of bench warming at Old Trafford. With Darren Fletcher struggling to maintain a regular place in the Manchester United starting line-up, Middlesbrough are said to be lining up a bid for the Scotsman and would offer him guaranteed first-team football at the Riverside.

The 21-year-old has been hampered by niggling injuries that have seen him out of action since February. Fletcher is nearing comeback, but will find it hard to get many chances to impress Sir Alex Ferguson, despite the United boss publicly confirming his admiration and belief in his fellow countryman.

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren, who worked with Fletcher during his days as Fergie’s deputy, is confident he can lure Fletcher to the North East on a loan basis next season. The ambitious League Cup holders are thought to hold aspirations of bringing Fletcher to ‘Boro on a permanent basis in the future, but a temporary deal looks most likely at this stage.