Scotland star Darren Fletcher must quit Man Utd to become a true star, warns Barca's Gerard Pique

Jul 27 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

GERARD PIQUE last night told Scotland star Darren Fletcher he may have to leave Old Trafford to further his career.

The Barcelona defender was Fletcher's team-mate at Manchester United for four years but both struggled to become regular picks.

Pique, 21, admitted defeat in his bid to become a United regular this summer but won a dream move to the Nou Camp after impressing on loan at Real Zaragoza.

He is adamant Fletcher can also find himself another massive club if he decides to leave Manchester.

Premiership rivals Sunderland and Everton have shown an interest in the 24-year-old and Pique feels it could be time to move on.

He said: "The problem at United now is they have the best players in the world.

"In every position good players are fighting for a place and it's difficult for some of the boys.

"Darren is an example of that. He's a great player but at United he's up against Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes.

"I'm not sure what he wants to do. He can either stay and accept being involved in just 25 or 30 games a season or be a main player for another team."

Pique has a spring in his step after moving to Barca and reckons Fletcher would benefit from a fresh start this summer.

He said: "I have shown you can leave United and go to another big club.

"I was happy at Old Trafford but wasn't playing as much as I wanted.

"That was the only reason for me leaving.

"If Darren wants to play every game he has to accept his time at United may be over. He has the quality to go to another massive club.

"I have done it by going to Barcelona. But Darren has been there a long time and sees it as home so it's a hard decision for him.

"He's a real fighter and has never let the club down. I know Everton are interested and they are close to Manchester so maybe it's right for him."