Darren Fletcher in line for first start in almost a year for United

Darren Fletcher is set to receive a starting role in Manchester United’s first-team squad against Stoke City on Wednesday night in the Capital One Cup.

Fletcher has not featured for Manchester United since coming on as a 90th-minute substitute back on boxing day 2012 at Old Trafford, with the 29-year-old sidelined many times over the past two-years due to ulcerative colitis, a chronic bowel condition.

The club, Darren Fletcher and his family felt the need in January 2013 to take the decision to have surgery to assist his condition and make a return to football, the Scottish midfielder spent a lengthy period recuperating before returning to training, then taking part in various under-21s matches to get his match fitness back.

Fletcher made his first-team return on Sunday in United’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa, coming on as a second half substitute replacing United legend Ryan Giggs – Tonight Fletch is in line for his first start in just under a year, with Marouane Fellaini cup tied, he could start alongside Cleverley, Giggs, Anderson or Jones in the middle of the park.

Fletch expressed his delight on his come-back, speaking with manutd.com he said:

“Now I am back to normal, I am standing here and I do not have ulcerative colitis. I have come through that, and now I am leading a normal life. I am back playing football in the Premier League, it has all been a success. I am just like anyone else.”

Great to have Darren Fletcher back, if he can get back to the form of the past then we have a great midfielder back amongst the squad, especially with many of them under-performing this season.

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