London - AFP
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\".