Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he is unsure when Darren Fletcher will return to action.

The Scottish midfielder was forced to sit out most of last season with a chronic bowel condition.

When asked if the 28-year-old would be back for pre-season, Ferguson told reporters: "We'll wait and see about that.

"Obviously, the boy is trying very hard to get back to his level. It's not going to be easy, but we'll give him every possible chance and we'll see how it goes.

"He kept himself active towards the end of the season when he replaced Paul Scholes as reserves coach when Scholes decided to come back as a player.

"Darren's a terrific lad, and we all hope he can come back."

The Red Devils start their pre-season campaign in South Africa on Wednesday, July 18.