In a season that has been riddled by injuries, particularly in the central defensive department, the Manchester United faithful were happy to see Darren Fletcher make his return from ulcerative colitis.
The chronic bowel condition had forced Fletcher out of the game since last December, with some even suggesting the Scottish international midfielder would not be able to return to the competitive fold.
Those suggestions were put to rest when Fletcher made a substitute appearance for United in the Champions League, before captaining the Red Devils in their League Cup win over Newcastle a couple of weeks ago.
Fletcher, however, is targeting a return to the English Premier League having last played for United in the league last November. The 28-year-old, who is currently with the Scottish international squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, is happy to bide his time and wait his turn.
"It's what it's all about," he told Manchester United's official channel. "Getting as many games as possible.
"I know the manager has got such a big squad now, especially in the midfield area, and there is a lot of competition for places. I have to be patient and wait for my chances but, hopefully, one will come around sooner rather than later.
"I think my general fitness is fine, it's just match fitness -- the sharpness, reaction times, things in your head and things like that. The positional sense, when you're a little bit older, comes back to you fairly quickly."
Fletcher has also seen plenty of action in under-21 games as well as behind closed doors friendlies, and the midfielder knows getting as much game time as possible is important to ease his way back into Sir Alex Ferguson's plans. "To get as many 90 minutes as possible is great just now," he said. "After not playing for a long time, it's important to get games back into your legs.
"Fortunately, I've had quite a few games for the reserves as well. I was just desperate to get back involved in any way, shape or form.
"For me, firstly, playing for the reserves was massive and a great achievement. Going into every game, I treat them the same. It doesn't matter where it is -- the reserves, Capital One Cup, back in Scotland -- every match is the same when you get across that line and just want to get back to winning ways."
