Premier League Gameweek 16 - Five talking points

Return of Fletcher a welcome boost to an ailing United midfield

The return of Darren Fletcher for the first time since Boxing Day last year coincided with a much-needed win for Moyes’s men. Victory over Aston Villa was their first since their home win over Arsenal just before the international break. Although the Scot didn’t have too much to do in the match, as he just made a 20 minute cameo appearance, seeing him on a football pitch again smiling and enjoying his football will come as a pleasant sight for any football fan.

Ever since he announced that he was taking an extended break from football in November 2011 after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, he has only played 14 times for the Red Devils. And when came in for Ryan Giggs, the crowd let him know that he is still warmly regarded by all. Although the 29-year-old Scot has undergone several operations, Moyes said that his compatriot “looked like he had never been away.” Whether that is true or not, if Fletcher can reproduce the form he was in, just before he was out, he might well turn out to be just what United need.