Fletcher to miss start of new season

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will miss the start of the new season as he continues his recovery from a bowel operation.

The Scot has made just nine starts in the past two seasons for the Old Trafford outfit, having seen his participation limited by an on-going battle with ulcerative colitis that forced him to recently undergo surgery.

And, when asked to put a date on his return, Fletcher told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Hopefully, not too long after the start of the season. I think I will just miss the beginning of the season.”

The 29-year-old also underlined the importance of going under the knife to his long-term health prospects, and spoke encouragingly about his prognosis ahead of a potential return to the field.

“I’ve had it for five years but really struggled to control it for the last three years,” he said. “It’s had a big impact on my day-to-day life, never mind trying to play football.

“Medication wasn’t helping me but surgery was the only solution if I wanted to have not only a future playing football but even a quality of life going forward.

“It’s all going well. I am still under the hands of the medical team just now, and the surgeon who is looking after me. Everything is going to plan so far and I am not that far away now.

“I am doing exercise on my own. I’ve not been given the green light to join in contact in football training but I am doing my own running and physical activities and feel great.

“Hopefully, in the next few weeks I am going to get the green light to join in and to start making the comeback, which is looking very good.”

Fletcher began his career with Manchester United, coming through the club’s youth academy before making his first-team debut in March 2003.

He has since made over 300 appearances for the club, winning five Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League during that time.