We knew it was going to happen anyway but the news that Darren Fletcher’s ban has been upheld feels like a fresh blow. For as long as there was hope you could believe he wasn’t going to be robbed of his place in the Champions League final.

Getting to start against Barcelona would be the perfect finish to Fletcher’s best season in our jersey, but thanks to a refereeing error he will have to miss out.

“You set up competition rules at the start of the season and that’s what you stick by,” said David Taylor, UEFA’s general secretary. “This would mean every red card would be subject to scrutiny.”




------------
The RoM Manchester United 2024-25 season preview is now available. It includes articles from the country's best football writers about our expectations for the season ahead and our brightest talents, as well as proposed transfer business and which youth players to keep an eye out for. All profit goes to The Christie so please support this fantastic cause.