Manchester United are happy to have the weekend off ahead of their Champions League clash with AC Milan.

Darren Fletcher believes a free weekend could not have been better timed and that he hopes it will ignite their European challenge.

"We'd like to still be in the FA Cup but after playing the majority of the Villa game with ten men this weekend will be a welcome break," said the Scotland midfielder.

"If we had to play at the weekend and then play AC Milan it would have been tough - but we've got the squad to deal with that and the manager would have made changes.

"Nevertheless, it's a nice break and the lads will be delighted to get a rest before a massive game against Milan."