Updated 18.15

DARREN FLETCHER MADE his first Manchester United appearance in almost a year in today’s 3-0 win against Aston Villa.

The Scottish midfielder came off the bench for the final 20 minutes at Villa Park, his first involvement since St Stephen’s Day 2012.

Fletcher missed the bulk of last season to have surgery on the chronic bowel condition which has disrupted his career.

United’s fans chanted ‘There’s only one Darren Fletcher!’ as the Scotland midfielder prepared to come on in place of Ryan Giggs, and he said he had been humbled by their reaction.

“It really means a lot and it spurs me on to do well for them,” he said, in comments published on United’s official Twitter page.

“I don’t want to take it easy, I want to get us back to where I know we should be. That’s the biggest motivation for me.”

Fletcher’s team-mates also welcomed the 29-year-old’s return, with goalkeeper David de Gea tweeting: “Good 3 points!! But most important thing Fletcher back in team!! Well done Darren!!”

Defender Rio Ferdinand wrote: “Great result today at villa park. Welcome back Mr Fletcher! Well deserved after working so hard after being out.”

– First published 14.03; additional reporting AFP

Opinion: Roy Keane is not a monster – and the ITV4 documentary finally debunked this myth