Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley 'gutted' for Darren Fletcher who is on leave from football due to illness

England international is currently ruled out himself, but expressed concern for the Scotland captain after the 27 year-old announced he is taking a leave of absence due to illness

13 Dec 2011 23:02:00

By Ryan Benson

More On :  Manchester United, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher
EPL - Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur, Tom Cleverley
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Manchester United midfield Tom Cleverley has reacted to the news that team-mate Darren Fletcher will be taking a leave of absence from the game after suffering with a bowel condition.

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The Scotland captain was ruled out for several months during the middle of the year with a mystery virus, but on Tuesday it was revealed to be ulcerative cilotis, an inflammatory bowel condition.

Cleverley, who is also out injured, was deeply disappointed for Fletcher, but insisted United will be able to cope, despite numbers being stretched to a minimum in the midfield department.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Cleverley said: "I am gutted for Fletch'. I'm not too sure about what it is, but I'm afraid it is bad news for him and bad news for the team.

"He is a massive player for us and it is a shame, because we are having a bit of a problem in centre-midfield.

"But we have got Giggsy, Ji[-Sung Park], Carrick, Phil Jones doing a job, and Darron Gibson still in the squad. So that's what squads are for."

The 22 year-old went on to praise Fletcher, admitting he looks up to the 27-year-old, who also came through United’s academy system.

He continued: "He is a fantastic pro. Growing up through the ranks, he is someone that has done the same journey that I have.

"So he is someone I have always looked up to."

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