Darren Fletcher Related Content
Scotland international midfielder Darren Fletcher is suffering from a serious abdominal health condition that means he will be taking an extended layoff from competing.

A Manchester United spokesman told BBC Sport that Fletcher “had accepted medical advice to take an extended break.” The Old Trafford source also added that Fletcher was taking the action “in order to afford the best chance possible of achieving full remission once again.”
The loss of Fletcher is yet another blow to a United team that is also missing fellow midfielders Tom Cleverley and Anderson. The defensive duo of Rio Ferdinand and captain Nemanja Vidic have also suffered injury problems this season, while striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez is ruled out for another three weeks.
While United fans will want to see their club strengthen during the January transfer window, the thoughts of many will be focused on Fletcher achieving a full and safe recovery.
It’s not time for the UEFA Champions League Last 16 draw yet. However, Manchester United are already looking to avoid top teams.

On Tuesday night, the 2008 European kings will host Portuguese giants Benfica. The Eagles have the opportunity of upsetting Manchester United in the fight for the top of Group C. The Red Devils, however, are planning to impose their game at Old Trafford yet another time.
“First and foremost you look to qualify for the knockout stages,” Darren Fletcher declared before adding:
“But we saw Arsenal finish second last season and end up with Barcelona in the first knockout round.”
Arsenal indeed had a tough time in the Round of 16. Despite defeating Barcelona 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their tie, they fell 3-1 at the Camp Nou in the return fixture.
Scotland will need to put up a historical performance against Spain tonight to reach the UEFA Euro 2012 playoffs and maintain their Poland and Ukraine dreams.

Spain have nothing to play for since they are sure Euro 2012 participants. But Del Bosque’s aim is to guide his team to a perfect run in the qualifiers.
The strength in depth of La Roja is so solid that even a second-choice squad could emerge with a confidence-boosting victory against Scotland tonight. Darren Fletcher commented on the titanic clash for his side.
“My experiences with Spanish sides, especially Barcelona, have not been great,” said the Manchester United midfielder according to UEFA.com.
“They [Spain] are the best side in the world – the world and European champions – so we are under no illusions of what we are up against.
As we prepare for a blockbuster clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at the Bridge, Live Soccer TV previews the five players who could make a difference for the Red Devils.

Manchester United head into this fixture with a totally different motive than what Chelsea occupy. For United, it's a chance to prove their credentials all over again after being dumped out of the competition at this exact stage last season.
The departure of Ronaldo prompted many changes of perceptions on United with a majority of them being negatives one. People believed that the Red Devils will never be the same without their Silky Portuguese star. People believed that things will not be easy for Sir Alex after refusing to bring in any big name signing.
Therefore, this match provides them with the chance to prove to millions of people outside there. To prove that Manchester United are still a force to be reckoned- no matter domestically or even in the European stage. Nonetheless, Live Soccer TV analyses five players who could make a difference for the Red Devils.
Monday March 21 2011,
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Steven Naismith,
James Morrison,
Pato,
Nilmar,
Darren Fletcher,
Scott Brown,
Rangers,
Celtic,
Manchester United,
West Bromwich Albion
The Scotland vs Brazil friendly match is supposed to be one not to forget, but considering the numerous withdrawals that have popped up in both sides, doubts are casted on the game’s thrill.

Rangers’ midfielder Steven Naismith suffered damages on his groin and hamstring after playing in the Co-operative Insurance Cup final. He was then forced to pull out from the Scotland squad ahead of the Brazil friendly, but he was followed by some of his country-mates, who also had to withdraw themselves due to a decline in their physical conditions.
Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley, Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher and Celtic’s Scott Brown are all anticipated to miss the mouth-watering clash, while West Bromwich Albion midfielder James Morrison is still fighting to make a special appearance.
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has admitted that United cannot afford anything but a win on Sunday if they want to get their title bid back on track as the season draws closer to its ending.

Liverpool will host United tonight in a match being billed as the most important match of both teams’ seasons. The Red Devils suffered a demoralizing defeat to Chelsea last Tuesday and Liverpool also had their fair share of disappointment as they were totally outclassed by a very spirited West Ham side.
Both teams will be going all out for victory and while Darren Fletcher believes that the Liverpool Vs Manchester United clash is always a big one, tonight's clash will be an even fierier one because of recent on goings.
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has signed a new extension to his current deal that will see him play at Old Trafford until 2015

Darren Fletcher has signed a new contract with United- following in the footsteps of fellow teammates, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Patrice Evra and Ryan Giggs. Fletcher, who has been one of United's most important players over the last two years, will now play for the Red Devils until 2015 at least.
The Scotland captain has been a terrific player for United and has made 288 appearances, scoring 21 goals in a United shirt since making his debut in 2003. Nonetheless, Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Fletcher is a top-class midfielder.
Scotland will face the Faroe Islands in an International Friendly on Tuesday. Scotland have had some extremely tough games in their UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifying group of late.

During the month of October, a hard fought 1-0 defeat in the Czech Republic was followed up with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss at home to World Champions Spain. The Tartan Army will hope this game provides the fans with a victory and a few goals to celebrate.
The Faroe Islands are perennial strugglers and will be underdogs going onto this game. They are rock bottom of their UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying group, but have had some success against British opposition when they held Northern Ireland to a 1-1 draw.
Scotland will field a number of new faces as fatigue and injuries have taken a toll on who is available for selection by Craig Levein. Glasgow Rangers have a heavy schedule and as a result all Rangers have been omitted or withdrawn from the squad for this friendly. This means star players such as Kenny Miller, Allan McGregor and David Weir will not feature.