Fletcher wants away improvement

Darren Fletcher is confident away-day draws will soon start turning into wins for Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side can still boast just a solitary victory on their travels this season despite an unbeaten start to the season following Tuesday night's disappointing draw at Birmingham. But Fletcher does not feel it is a fault which is impossible to rectify.

"We are confident we will turn these performances into wins and go on a winning run, which we will need to if we are going to win the league," he said.

"We have played well at some hard places but have conceded late goals that have tainted good performances.

"It shows the concentration levels have to be there. There have been a lot of shock results in the Premier League, which proves you need to be fully switched on for 90 minutes."

United hardly need telling that they need to be fully switched on to avoid being duped by other clubs' mind games.

In Manchester City assistant boss Brian Kidd they have come across one of those who used to be their own, having done the same job at United under Ferguson.

Which is why Fletcher refuses to give any credence to Kidd's claim that the title - which United lead the charge for from City on goal difference, but with two matches in hand - is the Red Devils' to lose.

"It is just a bit of kidology," said the Scotland skipper. "It is still early stages and lot of teams will feel they are capable of winning the league. We are one of them.

"Manchester City are realistic challengers as well. They are top of the league with us just now, winning games and look solid defensively. When you have that much money to spend and sign that many quality players, they are going to be a threat."