Fletcher Out For The Rest Of The Season

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing an operation on a bowel problem.

The Scottish international has only been able to make two brief substitute appearances for the club since 1st December and a United statement read: "Darren Fletcher will be unavailable for the remainder of this season having undergone surgery to resolve his ulcerative colitis condition".

"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".

This has been an ongoing condition for the 28 year-old since March 2011 although manager Sir Alex Ferguson originally dismissed it as a virus. However the extent of his condition has recently become known which has seen him play just 13 matches this season.