Darren Fletcher has admitted that Manchester United will miss midfielder Tom Cleverley.

The 22-year-old has been ruled out of action until Christmas with an ankle injury.

Despite his absence, Fletcher believes that his teammate will return to play a key role for the Red Devils.

"It is disappointing," the Scot told the club's official website. "Tom will be very disappointed personally, as we are as a team. He had been performing so well and had a great start to the season.

"The important thing now is that he gets the injury right. It is one of those niggly ones. He came back and had a recurrence.

"He will be an important player for the remainder of the season and hopefully the push for silverware. He is thought very highly of, and rightly so because of his performances."

Cleverley has made five appearances this season.