LVG TRIED TO KEEP ME Fletcher’s torment at leaving Old Trafford

LOVED UP: Darren Fletcher says it feels great to be so wanted by Tony Pulis DARREN FLETCHER has revealed Louis van Gaal didn’t want him to leave Manchester United.

The Scotland captain, 31, moved to West Brom on deadline day after spending his entire career at Old Trafford.

Fletcher made just four league starts under Van Gaal this term – but the Dutchman still wanted him.

The midfielder said: “I spoke to the manager about not playing much and the club didn’t really want me to go, but they respected my wishes. The boss and Ed Woodward have been fantastic. I cannot speak highly enough of them.

“I have great respect for them and how they have dealt with this.

“They helped me as much as possible and made the move possible. I have to thank them for being professional and catering to my wishes.

“Manchester United are a fantastic club and I’ve got so many great memories there, but I feel it’s time for a new challenge.

LOST OUT: Van Gaal and it gives you great confidence.”

West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has hailed the signing of “leader” Fletcher, but admitted the club missed out on the signings of Carlton Cole and Martin Olsson.

“We didn’t get all the business done that we might have wanted, but we are thrilled to bring in a player of Darren’s calibre,” said Peace.

“We were disappointed for Carlton but, for reasons which were beyond our control, we couldn’t do the deal.

“The same can be said for Martin Olsson and Graham Dorrans – but we’re very happy with the deals we did manage to get done.”