Manchester United management remain hopeful midfielder Darren Fletcher will be available for the start of the season.

The Manchester Evening News says United are hoping Fletcher will be fit for the start of the season after six months out recovering from an operation to cure his chronic bowel condition.

The 29-year-old midfielder was not on the plane that flew to Bangkok for the first leg of United's pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia yesterday.

Rather than put him through the travelling rigours of the 25,000-mile round trip with the 19-man squad, United's medical staff have decided he should stay at Carrington to continue his rehabilitation and he is expected to begin training this week.