Sir Alex Ferguson has made it clear that Darren Fletcher will always have a role at Manchester United if he can't get his playing career back on track.
The Scottish midfielder has not yet begun his comeback from a chronic bowel problem but if he fails to make it back onto the pitch, Ferguson says there is something for him at Old Trafford.
"He has not started training with us," said Ferguson.
"He has obviously got great challenges ahead.
"We are happy to be patient but he won't be starting the season.
"It is unfortunate because he is such a magnificent professional and such a nice lad. If it doesn't work for him, he knows he has a position at the club anyway."
