It was revealed before the Luton Town game that John Fleck had suffered a leg fracture, and Paul Heckingbottom stated that the experienced Scottish midfielder could be out for between 6-8 weeks.
The 31 year-old Fleck started the season off in good form, with competition for places in midfield this season, he needed to put in good performances in order to keep his place. Unfortunately though he will now have to sit out for a month or so.
Heckingbottom spoke of Flecks injury:
“It’s a hairline fracture but, fortunately, there’s been no displacement to the bone. Usually that means between six to eight weeks of recovery. We’re hopeful that’s what it will be, because although we’d rather it hadn’t happened, it does seem pretty straight-forward if you know what I mean.” [The Star]
Over the past couple of seasons, a lot has been made of the performances of John Fleck, this season he has improved a lot on last season especially. In the first 5 games, Fleck has registered 1 assist, created 3 big chances for teammates, whilst also averaging 1.8 key passes per game.
This can be the moment that Tommy Doyle can capitalise on. With James McAtee struggling to get to grips of the tempo and physicality of Luton Town, he was subbed at half-time for his Manchester City teammate Tommy Doyle.
The 20 year-old Doyle has already experienced Championship football last season with his loan spell at Cardiff City, so maybe he will be handed a first league start for United on Tuesday night at Bramall Lane against Reading.