Fletcher Fitness Is Progressing

Darren Fletcher may not be on United’s pre-season tour but the Scottish midfielder is working hard back in Manchester to regain full fitness.

Fletch missed a large chunk of last season and suffered substantial weight loss after contracting a bad virus in late February.

The illness took its toll on the midfielder and the decision was made to leave him out of United’s punishing pre-season schedule.

Instead, the 27-year-old has been reporting for duty at the Reds’ Carrington training facility, where he’s bidding to work his way back into Sir Alex’s plans.

“Darren’s recovering from this virus he’s had for quite a few months,” the manager told media assembled in Chicago, the third stop on United’s US Tour.

“Sometimes viruses do take time. He’s been into Carrington for the last few days and he’s doing a weight programme at the moment. Hopefully by the time we get back he’ll be rejoining us.”

Fletcher has played just 107 minutes of first-team football since 6 March.