Manchester United's Darren Fletcher takes 'extended break'

Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher is taking an extended break from football for health reasons.

A United statement said the player, 27, has been suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.

The club said Fletcher had "accepted medical advice to take an extended break... in order to afford the best chance possible of achieving full remission once again."

It added: "Darren's continued desire to play and his loyalty to both club and country has probably compromised the chances of optimising his own health and fitness.

"We request that his privacy is respected and hope that the removal of the additional stress associated with speculation regarding his health will also aid his recovery."

Fletcher signed a new four-year deal with United in March, securing his place with the club until 2015.

From BBC