United midfielder Darren Fletcher has given a boost to the side, as he returned to the Trafford Training Centre this week after a severe virus. The 27-year-old has spent the last 4 months nursing an illness that saw him sidelined for the business end of last season, but Fletch is now back and raring to go...

Fletcher suffered an 'unknown illness' towards the end of last season, losing a lot of weight and told to stay away from Carrington due to the fact that his virus was infectious. The Scotland Captain sustained a second bout of the sickness this summer, but after medical treatment he has recovered. Fletch returning to training midweek, and took part in his first full session on Thursday following a series of light preparation work while the squad toured America. 

This Sunday's FA Community Shield clash with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium comes too soon for Fletcher, but he could make an appearance away at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, 14th of August for The Red Devils' first call in their Barclays Premier League title defence. Fletcher started last term off on a high note, playing almost 40 times and scoring 3 goals. But with the loss of Paul Scholes, United need a fresh face in the heart of midfield. 

Inter Milan mid Wesley Sneijder is the favourite to join the ranks at Old Trafford this summer, while speculation continues linking Arsenal's Samir Nasri and Tottenham Hotspur's Luka Modric with a move to The Reds. Darron Gibson is still being chased by Sunderland and Stoke City for his signature, but young midfield talent Tom Cleverley has made a name for himself with an impressive showing in the 2-1 victory over FC Barcelona in The USA.