The midfielder departed Old Trafford on transfer deadline day but revealed the club did their best to convince him to stay
Darren Fletcher says Louis van Gaal didn't want him to leave Manchester United after completing a deadline day free transfer to West Brom.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Hawthorns with the option of a third year after becoming disillusioned with his lack of playing time at Old Trafford.
Fletcher has been out of favour this season, making just 16 appearances in all competitions, and decided to leave the club where he has spent all of his career, but only after Van Gaal's final attempt at changing his mind.
"Manchester United didn't want me to leave," he told Talksport. "It's been a rollercoaster at Man United and I wouldn't change it for the world.
"The club were great with me, particularly when I was coming back from illness and the fans were fantastic as well.
"I'm a professional footballer and I want to play football. I haven't been playing as much as I wanted and it's time for a new challenge."
The midfielder came close to joining West Ham and travelled down to Upton Park on Friday to complete a medical ahead of a proposed move, only for West Brom boss Tony Pulis to intervene.
"I have great respect for Sam Allardyce but for me Tony Pulis has been fantastic. He really wanted me and believed me - that's what I wanted to hear."
Fletcher made his Manchester United debut in 2003 and made over 200 appearances for the club in a 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher says Louis van Gaal didn't want him to leave Manchester United after completing a deadline day free transfer to West Brom.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at the Hawthorns with the option of a third year after becoming disillusioned with his lack of playing time at Old Trafford.
Fletcher has been out of favour this season, making just 16 appearances in all competitions, and decided to leave the club where he has spent all of his career, but only after Van Gaal's final attempt at changing his mind.
"Manchester United didn't want me to leave," he told Talksport. "It's been a rollercoaster at Man United and I wouldn't change it for the world.
"The club were great with me, particularly when I was coming back from illness and the fans were fantastic as well.
"I'm a professional footballer and I want to play football. I haven't been playing as much as I wanted and it's time for a new challenge."
The midfielder came close to joining West Ham and travelled down to Upton Park on Friday to complete a medical ahead of a proposed move, only for West Brom boss Tony Pulis to intervene.
"I have great respect for Sam Allardyce but for me Tony Pulis has been fantastic. He really wanted me and believed me - that's what I wanted to hear."
Fletcher made his Manchester United debut in 2003 and made over 200 appearances for the club in a 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
