Fletcher poised to make first start in 10 months
United midfielder is returning from a bowel condition that almost ended his career as he prepares to line up against Newcastle in the League Cup
Darren Fletcher is set to continue his return to full fitness with his first competitive start for Manchester United in 10 months when Newcastle visit Old Trafford tonight for their League Cup third-round clash.
The Scotland international midfielder made his first appearance for United as a second-half substitute against Galatasaray last week since his chronic bowel condition left his football career hanging in the balance.
Now he is set to make his first start since November last year after spending the end of last season helping to coach United's reserve side as he battled the illness before working during the summer to make his comeback.
Fletcher, 28, has had to change his diet and adapt his lifestyle to overcome the ulcerative colitis condition and Ferguson is delighted to be able to include him in his starting line-up as he prepares to make a host of changes from their 2-1 win over Liverpool.
If the Scot comes through the game unscathed he could be in line for his Premier League return against Tottenham on Saturday.
Ferguson said: "Fletcher will certainly play against Newcastle and that is the perfect game for him to start back. Then we have the game against Tottenham and he could be involved in that.
"It depends on how he does on Wednesday. It will be his first 90 minutes since 10 months out. It's a big one for him. He is handling the condition at the moment, as we saw the other night he is looking fine.