Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand says Darren Fletcher has filled the void left by Roy Keane.

Crerand has watched Fletcher's development from a raw 16-year-old to a target of the Stretford End boo boys and on to the hero status currently enjoyed by the Dalkeith-born midfielder a decade later.

He told the Daily Record: "Darren was fantastic in Milan. He is the most important player at United and has been all season. He is terrific and now gives that team the drive and energy Roy Keane used to deliver.

"The players love him at Old Trafford. Ask any of them who would be the first name on the teamsheet for a match against Barcelona, Arsenal or Liverpool tomorrow and they'd all say Fletcher. I'm sure the manager thinks the same.

"Wayne Rooney said recently Darren was world class and that's one of the best players in the world saying so."

Yet Crerand knows Fletcher has had plenty to overcome in his rise to the top.

He added: "Alex Ferguson showed great faith in him at a time when lots of people among the supporters doubted Darren three or four years ago.

"I was never one of them. I was always a fan since the first time I saw him play for the reserves aged 16. I work for the club's television station and watch all the reserve games and right from the start I thought he stood out, although given where he comes from I was accused of being biased!

"The fans didn't fancy him when he first came into the team because he wasn't Paul Scholes, Roy Keane or Ryan Giggs. Darren was a gangly big lad with an awkward running style and they didn't take to him.

"The boy had to show tremendous mental strength to keep believing in himself and he was helped by having a manager who had complete faith in him.

"But the fans have taken to him now, that's for sure. They are eating our of his hand. He is such a workhorse. He never stops running and his passing is terrific. He doesn't have the elegance of a Scholes or Keane but is every bit as good a player."