Returning Fletcher gets standing ovation at United

Associated Press Sports

updated 1:19 p.m. ET Sept. 20, 2012

LONDON (AP) -Darren Fletcher was given a standing ovation by the Manchester United crowd and big pat on the back by manager Alex Ferguson after making his return to first-team action following 10 months out with a career-threatening bowel condition.

The Scotland midfielder replaced Paul Scholes to play in the final 11 minutes of United's 1-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday.

His last match was a 2-2 draw with Benfica in the same competition in November, since when he took an extended break because of ulcerative colitis - a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

Ferguson says "I think the supporters recognize what a difficult time the lad's had. ... Taking into consideration it was his first game for 10 months, I think he acquitted himself very well."

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

advertisement

More news

Dempsey turns in dandy debut

PST: Winger played 76 minutes for Tottenham. He didn't score in 0-0 tie, but there was little doubt that he fit right in with very little adjustment.

Wilkinson gets 3-match ban for elbowing Balotelli

LONDON (AP) -Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson will serve a three-match ban after admitting a charge of violent conduct for elbowing Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in the face during a Premier League match.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/46855529/ns/sports-soccer/

houston texans houston texans texans lana del rey snl enemy of the state golden globe nominees joe philbin