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Darren Fletcher is facing a new battle to save his Manchester United career – with a January move an increasing possibility, writes Steve Bates in the Sunday People .

This time it’s nothing to do with the chronic bowel condition that threatened to end his Old Trafford career – but the ambition of Louis van Gaal.

Van Gaal relied on Fletcher’s experience during United’s summer tour to America and even made him captain for some games.

But after starting United’s Premier League games against Swansea, Sunderland and Burnley, Fletcher is finding himself being squeezed out by big-money midfield signings Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera.

And with Michael Carrick close to fitness and expected to be part of van Gaal’s plans following surgery on the ankle ligaments he damaged pre-season, Fletcher’s options at United are narrowing fast.

That’s put Aston Villa, Hull and Stoke on alert with Paul Lambert, Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes all believed to be interested in taking Fletcher on loan until the end of the season.

All three bosses are expected to make a move for the 30-year-old Scotland captain before the January window opens.

With £27million flop Marouane Fellaini still in United’s squad and van Gaal interested in signing Dutch midfield star Kevin Strootman from Roma when he’s fit after a cruciate knee injury earlier this year, Fletcher has fallen down the pecking order.

The Scot may view regular Premier League football elsewhere as vital to his position as national team skipper.