Manchester United's Darren Fletcher takes 'extended break'

Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher is taking an extended break from football because of a serious stomach illness. A United statement said the 27-year-old is suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, BBC reported. His last game was in the 2-2 Champions League home draw against Benfica on 22 November, in which he scored. The club said Fletcher had "accepted medical advice to take an extended break". He is taking a rest "in order to afford the best chance possible of achieving full remission once again".