Fletcher set for long-awaited United start

Round 3: Man Utd v Newcastle UtdTodayMan Utd vs Newcastle 20:45 SS3Arsenal vs CoventryCarlisle vs TottenhamNorwich vs Doncaster

Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Darren Fletcher is set to make his first start since November last year. Net photo.

Round 3: Man Utd v Newcastle UtdTodayMan Utd vs Newcastle 20:45 SS3Arsenal vs CoventryCarlisle vs TottenhamNorwich vs DoncasterQPR vs ReadingWest Brom vs Liverpool 21:00MANCHESTER – Darren Fletcher is set to continue his return to full fitness with his first competitive start for Manchester United in ten months when Newcastle visit Old Trafford on Wednesday night for their League Cup third round clash.The Scotland international midfielder made his first appearance for United as a second-half substitute against Galatasaray last week since his chronic bowel condition left his football career hanging in the balance.Now he is set to make his first start since November last year after spending the end of last season helping to coach United’s reserve side as he battled the illness before working during the summer to make his comeback.Fletcher, 28, has had to change his diet and adapt his lifestyle to overcome the ulcerative colitis condition and Ferguson is delighted to be able to include him in his starting line-up on Wednesday as he prepares to make a host of changes from their 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday.If the Scot comes through the game unscathed he could be in line for his Premier League return against Tottenham on Saturday.Ferguson said: "Fletcher will certainly play against Newcastle and that is the perfect game for him to start back. Then we have the game against Tottenham and he could be involved in that.Ashley Young will miss out as he is out until October with a knee injury while Wayne Rooney is still not fit following the nasty cut he received on his thigh last month against Fulham.