Darrren Fletcher will not return for start of new season

Doubts remain over the future of Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher after it emerged the Scotland captain is still struggling to overcome a chronic bowel complaint.

Fletcher has been absent since December after United confirmed the precise mystery "virus" that had been affecting the midfielder since the previous campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson says Fletcher will be given "all the time he needs but hinted that his future at the highest level was in doubt.

"He has not started training with us," confirmed the United boss.

"He has got great challenges ahead."

"We are happy to be patient but he won't be starting the season.

"It is unfortunate because he is such a magnificent professional and such a nice lad. If it doesn't work for him, he knows he has a position at the club anyway."