Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is set to miss the start of the season, Sky Sports have reported and is guaranteed to miss all of the clubs pre-season.
The Scottish midfielder will see a specialist in the coming weeks to discuss the possible chances of surgery on a toe he broke, during the last game of the season against Southampton. The 30 year old, turning 31 later this season, only returned to first-team football after a sustained absence due to ulcerative colitis which nearly ended his career.
With Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal already identifying the central midfield as being an area of particular weakness for the Premier League side, the injury to Darren Fletcher will add further concern for the new manager. With an already weak central midfield consisting of 32 year old Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and United youth-product, Tom Cleverley, the side now have a depleted central midfield with players many don’t think are cutting the grade.
Last year Fletcher played 12 games for Manchester United, with his first game being in the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on the 15th of December. He jogged onto the pitch to a standing ovation from the Manchester United away fans, with the side going on to grab the three points with three goals. He had the greatest pass completion rate in the match, surpassing the usually reliable Michael Carrick. Throughout the rest of his games last year he didn’t score a single goal and he did not contribute a direct assist either, showing that despite his iconic status as a fan favourite and being a key player in the team back in 2011, he no longer has the same impact. It is likely his extended injury played a part in this. However, sadly for the Scot it is been admitted by many Manchester United fans he currently lacks the talent to be a starter.
So, while his injury means less depth for the midfield position, it is not a major issue for manager Louis Van Gaal, who is expected to sign at least one central midfielder for the first team as it is. If not two, with Bastian Schwiensteiger and Jordy Clasie being heavily tipped to join the Manchester club. But one thing for sure Manchester United fans will be wishing the Scottish international luck for a speedy recovery.