Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville believes that Darren Fletcher's experience is vital to the stability of the Old Trafford dressing room this season.

Louis van Gaal's side were shocked on the opening day of the campaign as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City, provoking fears of another poor season for the Red Devils.

Neville is quoted as saying by The Mirror: "Throughout the years, you have always had a homegrown player – from the class of '92 through the John O'Shea-Wes Brown era.

"It has to be people that have been there a long time and who know the fabric of the club. And nobody knows it more than Darren Fletcher."

United take on Sunderland in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light later today.