Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has admitted that illness prevented him from leaving his home for long periods of time.

The 29-year-old was diagnosed with a chronic bowel problem in 2011, but made his first appearance since December last year in United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.

"I couldn't leave the house, it was as simple as that," Goal.com quotes Fletcher as saying.

"I couldn't take my kids to the park for a kickabout. Simple stuff. I couldn't go for a meal with my wife, just because of the nature of the illness."

Fletcher came off the bench at Villa Park at the weekend for the final 20 minutes of United's win.