Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher "looked like he had never been away" on his return after nearly a year out, according to manager David Moyes.
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Fletcher, 29, made his first-team comeback in the 3-0 victory at Aston Villa, coming on after 70 minutes.
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His previous appearance was on Boxing Day last year, before having surgery on a chronic bowel condition.
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"To recover from the illness he has, it is incredible credit," said Moyes. "I thought he played really well."
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Scotland international Fletcher was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in December 2011 but made 13 appearances for club and country in 2012-13, the last as an 89th-minute substitute in the 4-3 victory over Newcastle on 26 December.
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Fletcher replaced Ryan Giggs at Villa Park on Sunday, with United leading 3-0 through two goals from Danny Welbeck and a Tom Cleverley strike.
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"To people who do have illnesses, it says to keep going and believing, and Darren has done that," said Moyes. "I thought when he came on it looked like he had never been away.
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"I was really impressed because we are not sure where he is. He has had a few reserve games and has been training, and you can never tell until he gets into the senior games."
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But a cautious Moyes added: "I don't want to put pressure on him and say that is Darren Fletcher back because you just never know."
Now we are waiting for Micheal Carrick's return too. And then Robin Van Persie also. Man United will improve with this
Fletcher's return is a fantastic one. Manchester United fans like me are just waiting for Carrick's return also to make it PERFECT.