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Despite internet rumours to the contrary, Darren Fletcher has has no plans to announce his retirement.

The Manchester United midfielder has been absent since December after it was revealed he was suffering from a chronic bowel complaint that had been affecting him for months.

Sir Alex Ferguson's previous statement on the matter suggested Fletcher would attempt a comeback at some point during pre-season and was hopeful his fellow Scot would make a full recovery.

Last night rumours began circulating that Fletcher had accepted he would never overcome the problem and was set to quit.

However, Press Association Sport understands that the rumours are wide of the mark and that the 28-year-old remains on course to begin his comeback this summer as planned.

The news will be greeted with relief by both United and Scotland fans.

Fletcher's combative midfield presence was missed by the Red Devils during their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last night.

And Scotland boss Craig Levein is hoping to have his captain available for the early stages of autumn's World Cup qualifying campaign.