In recent weeks the Reds have been hit with a growing treatment table, and another one has been added to the list. Tireless performer Darren Fletcher has been given time off for the foreseeable future, as he seeks to recover from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, that has caused him trouble for the previous two seasons.
Fletcher missed out on the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last season at Wembley, a game he would've surely started in had he been at full physical fitness. He has attempted to battle through the illness this season, featuring on a number of occasions, and scoring against Manchester City and Benfica. It is testament to his desire and commitment that he has even attempted to conquer this illness whilst representing both United and Scotland, attributes that make him such an admired professional.
The temporary removal of Fletcher from United's ranks presents Sir Alex Ferguson with a problem in an area of the pitch where it is widely accepted he needs quality reinforcements.
Fletcher was an influential and energetic figure in central midfield, and has left a big hole to fill, with Ferguson now left with Michael Carrick, Ji-Sung Park and Darron Gibson.
The impressive Tom Cleverley is still sidelined with an ankle knock until the new year, and with the recent injury to Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones may be called upon to fill the vacancy in a central defensive role. Ryan Giggs can also be a candidate, but at 38 surely can't be expected to feature for 90 minutes every week. Wayne Rooney has also be tried in the midfield role, but it surely most effective up front, and suggestions are that youngsters such as Paul Pogba could be pushed into a first team slot.
The United manager said only last week that he was not intending to dip into the January transfer window but with Fletcher and Vidic now out for some time, he may need to think again.
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