Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has insisted he is not a dirty player ahead of tonight’s visit of Arsenal to Old Trafford.
Fletcher was criticised by Gunners manager Arsene Wenger following United’s victory in this fixture last season, but Fletcher is refusing to let the Frenchman’s comments get into his head prior to the latest meeting between the Premier League title rivals.
The Scotland international said: “Things are said in the heat of the moment and I would rather not dwell on it. I don't think I'm a dirty player, I know I'm not a dirty player.
“I go to win the ball and sometimes you give away fouls doing that, but it's not malicious. It's all part of the British game.
“The referees here use a lot of common sense and they know when players are generally trying to win the ball and those going out to hurt people.”
Looking ahead to tonight’s showdown, Fletcher believes he and his United team-mates will have to stop in-form Samir Nasri if they are to take the points.
The Scot added: “He's their form player right now.
“He's looking determined, the player who has taken on the mantle of being the man to make things happen.”