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Darren Fletcher could return to United in a coaching capacity at the end of his playing career.

Fletcher, who turns 31 next month, has been granted a free transfer and is expected to complete a move to West Ham United on a three-and-a-half year contract this week.

But irrespective of whether Fletcher extends his playing career beyond the summer of 2018, United are keen for him to return to the club.

Louis van Gaal valued Fletcher's experience so much he appointed the Scot as vice-captain in the summer and Fletcher is highly regarded for his conduct off the pitch, as well as on it.

A product of United's academy, Fletcher made his United debut against Basel in 2003 and is, currently, the longest-serving member of the United squad.

Despite playing for the club for over a decade, there is no indication that Fletcher will be offered a testimonial at any time in the future. Fletcher was sidelined for almost the entirety of 2013, when he would have been due a testimonial.

The Scotland international has overcome the debilitating ulcerative colitis illness that reduced him to 10 appearances in two years.

However, he has made just one Premier League start since August and is set to prolong his Premier League career in east London.

Fletcher's last outing for United came in the FA Cup win at Yeovil earlier this month and he could make his West Ham debut against The Reds on February 8.

Click through the gallery for a selection of Darren Fletcher's 10 best United performances: