Boss ready to be patient with Fletcher

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United star Darren Fletcher is yet to attempt a comeback from his chronic bowel complaint.

Fletcher has been absent since December after United confirmed the precise mystery "virus" that had been affecting the midfielder since the previous campaign. And while Ferguson insisted the Old Trafford outfit would provide Fletcher with "all the time he needs", there must now be some doubt over the Scotland star ever playing at the highest level again. "He has not started training with us," confirmed the United boss. "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." Ferguson, speaking at a press conference to unveil summer signings Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa, who has signed this summer from German double-winners Borussia Dortmund, added: "There will possibly be one more."