Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher could reportedly be absent from the start of the club's pre-season under new manager Louis van Gaal due to toe surgery.

The Scotland international broke a toe during United's 1-1 draw with Southampton on the final day of the Premier League season last month.

While club medics initially decided against surgery, Fletcher plans to see a specialist, and if an operation is necessary the midfielder could be out of action for at least a month, according to Sky Sports News.

The 30-year-old made 12 appearances for the Red Devils after returning to action in December following a lengthy period on the sidelines with bowel condition ulcerative colitis.

Written by
Danielle Joynson