The perfect response

Derby-day disappointment inspired the Reds to victory on Saturday against Arsenal in the FA Cup, according to Darren Fletcher.

Two-goal hero Fletcher said United desperately wanted to banish the memory of last weekend’s loss to Manchester City.

“It was the perfect response to last week’s defeat,” Fletcher told MUTV. “We were all hurt by that performance and we wanted to put things right today. Our attitude, tempo and work-rate was top-class today and we got our just rewards.”

Fletcher found the net either side of the interval but was typically modest about his performance.

“I’ve scored a few headers for United and today I was in the right place at the right time,” he said.

“We created some great chances today and it could have been even more. But the important thing is we’re in the next round of the FA Cup after a terrific team performance.

“At times it was a bit feisty out there but you expect that in a cup game against Arsenal. It’s part of the game and we enjoy that. Sometimes it boiled over a little bit but I think it was all right today. We try to tackle hard and fair and we enjoy it that way.”