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Fletcher wants to show the West Ham fans what he is capable of
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The former Manchester United forward is keen to put one over Manchester City
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Fletcher is already settled in London and is loving his time at West Ham
Ashley Fletcher says the players are determined to bounce straight back from their Europa League disappointment when they face Manchester City on Sunday.
Fletcher admits he was devastated to miss out on a place in the group stages of the competition after Astra Giurgiu recorded a 1-0 victory at London Stadium.
For the second consecutive season, the Hammer failed at the final hurdle to reach the group phase and were beaten by the Romanian side once again.
But despite the setback, Fletcher says there is still everything to play for and hopes the players will have a major point to prove when they travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Fletcher said: “It is a sickener for a massive club to go out at this early stage and we are all disappointed.
“It wasn't our night. I had a great chance which I should have scored and other players have had chances.
“I cannot put my finger on why it happened and it is hard to accept, but we have to move on.
“We felt in the first leg that we didn't put on a performance that we are capable of, but it was a positive result.
“We came back to the London Stadium expecting to play them off the park, but it didn't turn out like that and it wasn't our night.
“We will go again on Sunday and try to do our best in the league and the other cup competitions.”
The talented forward produced an oustanding display and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
Fletcher added: “It is a small thing that I can take from the game, but it is a team effort and unfortunately we have not got the right result.
“I am just happy to get out there and get more minutes under my belt and show the West Ham fans what I am about. Hopefully I can put the next one away.”
Having arrived from Manchester United during the summer, Fletcher has extra reason for wanting to do well against their arch rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
The Hammers recorded a famous 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium last season and Fletcher sees no reason why they cannot cause another big upset against the Premier League leaders.
“I watched that game last year and it was a massive win for West Ham. Hopefully we can go up there and repeat it.
“Having played for United, it would be nice for me to put one over City as well! I am sure the United fans will want me to do that, as well as the West Ham fans and it is a game I am looking forward to.
“I am loving my time here and the players, staff and fans have made me feel very welcome. I cannot wait to show the West Ham fans what I can do.
“I have settled in really well and cannot wait to play more games.”