Fergie rues Fletcher absence

Sir Alex Ferguson says Darren Fletcher's absence due to illness is a blow to Manchester United.

Be sure to catch the latest episode of the Ultimate Sport Podcast - as we look ahead to all the Premier League football, reflect on Jonny Wilkinson's glistening career, as well as preview Carl Froch's bout with Andre Ward.

The Scotland captain has been forced to take an extended break from the game after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, having missed a significant part of the last campaign through illness which saw him lose around 10kg in the space of months

Fergie revealed the club's medics advised the 27-year old to take extended leave from football and the club are fully supporting their player, who rose through the youth ranks at Old Trafford and established himself as a key first teamer.