Darren Fletcher's surgery a blow for Manchester United - Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson describes Darren Fletcher's absence as a "blow", after it was announced that the midfielder will miss the rest of the season following bowel surgery.

The Scotland captain had to take a break from the game in December 2011 because of ulcerative colitis, but returned to make 13 appearances this season for club and country.

Ferguson says he expects Fletcher to return to the squad in July, and believes he could adopt a more defensive role for United.