Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is aiming for a return to first-team action next season.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined with an inflammatory bowel disease since November, and has yet to return to training.

"I'm still not ready to come back playing or training yet but I'm listening to the medical people and trying to get myself right. The challenge and the focus is to be ready for next season," Fletcher told The Sun.

"It's an unpredictable illness and you don't know what lies ahead of you. But I've got to keep staying strong and keep believing. That's an important side of it: positive thinking.

"I've received great support from everyone in Scotland and down in Manchester. I'm hopeful and really positive that I'll be back and back to my best."

Manchester United face Fulham in the Premier League on Monday.