Fitness not an issue with Fletch looking likely to start

Manchester UNITED midfielder Darren Fletcher was never worried about his ability to return from the virus that denied him a chance of playing in last season’s Champions League final.

In total, the Scotland skipper was laid low for virtually six months, even staying behind to work on his fitness when the remainder of United’s squad headed off to the US for a successful summer tour.

Happily, Fletcher has now made a complete recovery and is hoping to be involved at Old Trafford tonight when Sir Alex Ferguson’s men take on Romanian minnows Otelul Galati in their next European adventure.

“I feel fine. I knew I would be,” said the midfielder. “My natural fitness is always very good. I never had a problem with that, and I worked hard with the fitness coaches whilst the rest of the lads were away on tour.

“I reached my level fairly quickly, then it was a question of matches because the more you play, the more you get your sharpness back and awareness back.

“I was lucky in the respect I was able to get a few games for Scotland before I played for United, which definitely helped me. I have played ten games so far this season and I feel as though I am back to the level I should be at.”

Fletcher was part of the side that overcame Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday and with fellow midfielders Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick doubtful, Fletcher may be pressed into service again.