Exclusive: Fletcher on duty despite United's cash claims against the SFA

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Old Trafford giants lodged a first compensation bill with the Hampden hierarchy's insurers after the 24-yearold was injured in Paris back in September.

And they posted a second significant claim when Fletcher damaged his knee against Croatia in George Burley's first match in charge - an incident that left Sir Alex Ferguson furious.

Centre of storm: United's Darren Fletcher (right) with the Scotland squad during the training session at Dumbarton on Tuesday

The United claims will reach around £400,000 for the two spells of inactivity suffered by Fletcher over the course of last season as they demanded his wages be paid while in rehabilitation.

But Ferguson's spat with Burley - he complained that the United star played the whole game against Croatia before suffering a last-minute injury - appears to have been papered over.

The SFA pay heavy insurance premiums to cover players while on duty for the national team and the more claims are made, the higher the bill for the Hampden hierarchy.

"We made a claim to the SFA to cover Darren Fletcher's wages when he was injured in the Euro 2008 qualifying tie against France in Paris earlier in the season," said a United spokesman.

"Darren was hurt again in the friendly against Croatia and we made a second compensation claim to cover the wages during his absence."

Sir Alex hit out forcibly after that Hampden fixture in March, claiming that international friendlies were a waste of time for all concerned.

With Fletcher believed to earn in excess of £20,000 per week, the bill to the SFA's insurers for the two injuries could run to around £400,000 following the player's extended absence from the Manchester United team.