Darren Fletcher starts in Old Trafford comeback

MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Darren Fletcher is set to continue his return to full fitness with his first competitive start for Manchester United in 10 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.