DARREN Fletcher has beefed up his act for United and is now weighing in at the level for which he has been aiming.

The Scottish international has gradually emerged from fringe-player status to the Reds' must-have midfielder.

The 25-year-old's accelerated progress can be measured by the Reds' last two Champions League finals.

In 2008 in Moscow, he was an unused sub having spent much of the second half of the campaign on the bench.

Last May in Rome, he was suspended for the showpiece but his absence this time was cited as the major reason that winners Barcelona overran the Reds in midfield.

Against Chelsea last Sunday Fletcher again proved he is Sir Alex Ferguson's big-game cert.

"This is a level that I've been striving to reach," said Darren.

"The way I'm playing now, I'm the player I've always wanted to show people I could be.

"I'm not saying I've worked harder than anyone else, I've just tried to make sure I improve my game and things have really paid off.

"I'm enjoying everything at the moment because the team is successful. Last season was great, despite the disappointment of the Champions League final.

"If you look back on what we achieved right throughout the season, it was fantastic. I played in a lot of big games and was given a consistent run.

"The most important thing for me this season has been to kick on and not sit back and take my place for granted.

"At United, you're proving your worth in every game, there's always someone who wants to take your shirt. That drives you on. I want to keep improving as a player, as I feel I have done in every season I've been here."

Fletcher has been a gym regular at United's Carrington training HQ as he bid to muscle in on those coveted engine room berths.

Weights

"Doing weights is a big thing for me now, whereas before it didn't seem to have much effect," he added.

"But just because you're in the gym, that doesn't make you a great player. It's small percentages of improvement that help you become a better athlete and player.

"Fitness has never been a problem, but in terms of strength and power, my gym work has made a real difference. Striking the right balance is important. There would be no point in bulking up if that was to the detriment of being able to get around the pitch, which is a big part of my game.

"I wanted to get to a level where I had strength, but also the stamina to keep going over 90 minutes. I've found a good balance, although I reckon I could still do a little more and put on more weight without affecting my fitness.

"There's room for improvement but, like I said, I'm always looking to develop the little things.

"It's not just the physical side it's a mental thing as well. I have more experience now, and simply being at this club improves you as a player; being in this team, around these great professionals.

"It's been a gradual progression for me, but I'm really enjoying myself and I want that to continue for many more years to come."

Fletcher admits that becoming a dad to his twins, Jack and Tyler, has also helped his Old Trafford evolution.

"Having two lads has matured me as a person, and that helps on the pitch as well," said Darren. "Having the boys has helped take my mind away from football.

"When I was younger I was intense and uptight about how well I was playing. I was constantly thinking about situations in games, what I could do better, or a bad performance would play on my mind.

"If you're sitting at home with nothing else to do it's easier to think about those things.

Children

"Whereas now, I go home to my children, who take up lots of my time, and it puts everything else into perspective."

"It gives you a great outlook on life.

"Now I know there's a time to work and be focused on that. But I've also got my family, who are the biggest part of my life now.

"It allows me to relax much more, and because of that my game and outlook on everything is more balanced and more mature."