Fletcher expects Powell to prosper

Darren Fletcher believes Nick Powell's tough grounding in English football's lower league will serve him well during his time at Manchester United.

Powell, a summer signing from Crewe, was handed his first United start in Turkey on Tuesday night and came closest to scoring with a header that crashed against the crossbar. The appearance against Galatasaray turned the 18-year-old into the second youngest Englishman ever to play for the Red Devils in Europe's most prestigious competition.

"Playing in the lower leagues as a teenager will have hardened him up," said Fletcher. "In some ways it is a better grounding because you get toughened up. You play with and against good experienced pros in the lower leagues, players who are going to kick you. You have to learn how to survive."

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