Darren Fletcher’s Manchester United future unclear

Darren Fletcher vies with Old Trafford team mate Wayne Rooney during the Scotland v England friendly. Picture: John Devlin

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MANCHESTER United manager Louis van Gaal has refused to rule out a January departure for Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher.

The 30-year-old, who has only made four Premier League starts this season, has been linked with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Spanish top-flight outfit Valencia.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis has confirmed his interest but van Gaal was unable to confirm if Fletcher, who will be hoping to feature in tonight’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Cambridge, will remain a United player when the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Van Gaal, who appointed Fletcher as his vice-captain at the start of the season alongside new skipper Wayne Rooney, said: “You are not sure. Because it’s the transfer month, so you never know.

“He’s a player of Manchester United, that’s the update.

• Celtic and Valencia linked with Darren Fletcher

“Darren Fletcher is the only player who has won the FA Cup in my selection and he is also captain – one of the three.

“That’s the update I can give.”

Fletcher was part of the last United side to win the FA Cup, in 2004 when Millwall were defeated 3-0 in the final. He has struggled to force his way into Van Gaal’s plans this season and the Dutchman opted to appoint Michael Carrick as another vice-captain last month.

West Brom’s Pulis admits he would like to bring Fletcher, who is out of contract in the summer, to the Hawthorns.

He said: “We’ve shown an interest. The lad’s got to sit down and make a decision. I think Darren Fletcher is talking to three or four other clubs as well.”

West Ham United are also understood to be keen on the Scot, with a loan move mooted.