While the battle to sign Dimitar Berbatov went down to the last minutes on deadline day and Ferguson was forced to make an urgent trip to Portugal this summer for talks that gained agreement from Cristiano Ronaldo to stay, it seems the Scot regarded keeping Fletcher just as important.

Few would regard the 24-year-old midfielder as a pivotal presence in the Red Devils squad.

But, after being limited to just 24 appearances last term, Fletcher had a decision to make.

With several clubs demanding his services, the Dalkeith-born star could easily have decided to abandon an unequal struggle for a first-team berth.

Instead, he opted to remain at Old Trafford, where he was rewarded with an improved four-year contract.

And, as injuries have robbed Ferguson of Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick for significant periods, Fletcher had been given the responsibility of a regular start.

He made his 11th appearance at Everton on Saturday, where he also scored his third goal.

"The relief of the season was to get Darren a new contract because there were a lot of clubs trying to buy him," said Ferguson.

"He had one year left but he wanted more football.

"Leaving could easily have been a consideration simply because with Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes and Anderson there is so much competition."

Much like he did with Ronaldo, Ferguson decided to take direct action.

A face-to-face chat with his fellow countryman yielded the answers Fletcher had been seeking.

After joining United as a trainee - he would have made his senior debut as a schoolboy in 2000 had the FA not intervened - he had seen players like David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville quit for pastures new.

But he took Ferguson's word that he remained part of the manager's plans. And his performances this season have been so good, Hargreaves and company have not been missed.

"I just felt Darren is a United player," recalled Ferguson.

"He is outstanding in big games, when he always does such a great job.

"I told him he had been brought up at this club and after January, he had been playing in all the big games until he got an injury and not to forget he came back and played some more.

"It convinced him to stay, which was what we wanted because now he is such an important player for us.

"He has developed his game and taken it to a new level."

Ferguson must decide whether to stick with Fletcher or bring Michael Carrick in to play against his former club.

Carrick has been restricted to just two appearances, both of which were brought to a premature end, due to an ankle problem.

However, as he has now returned to training, Ferguson has the option of easing the England man back into the fray against West Ham tomorrow or Hull on Saturday.

After Saturday's disappointing draw at Everton, both games must be won to put some pressure on Liverpool, who have now recorded crucial victories over United and Chelsea to hit the Premier League summit.

Mindful of the volume of chances that went begging at Goodison Park, Ferguson must also be tempted to bring in Carlos Tevez, although deciding who to leave out from a group comprising Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo is no easy task.