It was the sort of slow start that has threatened to undermine United this season, but Javier Hernandez took advantage of the opportunity to make his mark by leading the fightback.
Hernandez scored with a far post header to put United back in the game before half-time and, after Jonny Evans scrambled an equaliser, he was on the mark again as he rose to beat Braga keeper Beto for the winner with 15 minutes left.
Fletcher, 28, believes the away fixture against Braga was the perfect game to secure qualification and rectify the embarrassment of being knocked out in the group stage last season.
“After last year the aim was to get ourselves through the group as quickly as possible. One more victory should see us through and hopefully we can do it in the next game in Braga with two games to spare.
“If you take away the first 20 minutes when we went 2-0 down it was a good performance.
“People will talk about slow starts and giving away early goals but the fact we came back to win showed great character. Nevertheless, we know we can’t keep doing it,”
The Scotland international spent most of last season battling Ulcerative Colitis, taking extended leave from his club. He is yet to appear for United in the Premier League this season, but played for a full 90 minutes against Braga which suggests he is back to full fitness.
“I feel fine. It was good to get another 90 mintues under my belt and the more of them I get the better I’ll feel.
“I’m fully aware there is huge competition for places in midfield. I’ve just got to get as many minutes under my belt as I can and keep taking my opportunities when they come.”
