MANCHESTER UNITED ANNOUNCED on Thursday that midfielder Darren Fletcher will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to cure his chronic bowel condition.
The Scot has been suffering from ulcerative colitis for close to two years and missed the majority of last season with the condition.
However, despite hopes he could resume his role in the heart of United’s midfield when he returned to the side in Septermber, the 28-year-old has made just two substitute appearances since starting against Reading on December 1.
“Darren Fletcher will be unavailable for the remainder of this season having undergone surgery to resolve his ulcerative colitis condition,” United revealed in a statement on Thursday.
“We wish to stress this was a planned procedure undertaken at the optimal time having achieved a period of sustained good general health, as illustrated by the fact that Darren has trained with the team regularly this season and been available for selection right up to the operation.
“Whilst it is frustrating for both Darren and the club that he won’t be able to contribute further during this campaign, this decision has been taken with our full support in the best interests of his long term health and we look forward to him returning next season with this problem firmly behind him.
“We would be grateful if his privacy could be respected at this time and in the coming months in order to aid his recuperation.”
United fans will hope the Scotland midfielder can make a full recovery.
Additional reporting by AFP.
Last of the United greats
@John Harte: that header at stoke
@John Harte: A very likeable player.
Staying and scoring 40 goal’s is that before, during or after the tantrum ‘s?
On Fergie, no other Utd manager will get the same disproportionate financial advantage as Fergie had. He robbed Villa and Spurs of their best player’s. With all the money all PL club’s get that advantage has been eroded. Furthermore, the top 4 all get greater money in CL qualification than available 10 year’s ago. Therefore, if Utd can’t qualify the financial advantage they used to have gets eroded even further. The problem is the expectation of their fan’s versus the new reality.
@Daniel Kelly: you are talking absolutely bs, 1st regards taking villa/spurs best players jesus you would think utd absolutely drained them throughout the years, Sheringham, berbatov,Carrick,Yorke with villa, who else?? That’s in nearly 25yrs..To this day all the top clubs have and are still buying the best players from the lesser clubs it has always happened and yes champions lge money helps give your head a good wobble there its not as if fergie or utd created this..
@Pauly Kel: Just like Big Jack Charlton had the best crop of Irish player’s ever…. Fergie had a financial stranglehold on the PL with revenues exceeding all other club’s. He plundered the above plus West Ham, Leeds, Forrest, Wigan et al for their best player’s. My point stands Kane ain’t swapping Spurs now for old toilet! Thanks for listening……
He is still there!