Don't be underwhelmed, but we can see Fletcher's replacement already, it is none other than... Phil Jones.
United have of course been linked with a big money moves for Cheik Tiote, and Yann M'Vila has been suggested as a possibility, but is Sir Alex Ferguson really ready to spend big on a defensive midfielder?
The last time he did that was Owen Hargreaves, whose sudden yet slow demise has hurt United, as they have never replaced him.
Darren Fletcher was the only established midfielder capable of playing such a holding role, yet he has not played in 2012 and it sounds like he is unlikely to, thanks to his bowel illness.
Paul Pogba could have been an answer, but the player was tempted away to Juventus.
Will United spend big on a defensive midfielder? Ferguson has stated there is room for 'one or two' more signings. With a left-back required, as well as a midfielder, it is far from certain.
The type of midfielder United are said to be looking at is a more attacking player, a Luka Modric or a Lucas Moura. Players with big assets, but of which anchoring the midfield via a tough tackling role is not one of them.
If fans are hoping United will go and spend big on their own version of City's Nigel de Jong, they will likely be let down, however much games against Basel and Manchester City showed the need.
The answer? Don't expect United to go and spend £20 million plus on a Tiote, Ferguson will look inwards at his squad and hand the role to Phil Jones.
Phil Jones had a mixed first season at United, brought in as a central defender, he found himself used mostly at right-back, and also sporadically in midfield.
His showings in midfield, away at Anfield in a 1-1 draw showcased his ability to break up play, and away at QPR in a 2-0 win in December showed how his running and power could be utilised well.
He featured there for England in a 1-0 win against Spain and was highly impressive, while Rio Ferdinand argued England should have used him in midfield at Euro 2012 instead of turning to Jordan Henderson.
With manager and senior players praising Jones' work there, he remains a solid option for the club, and played in midfield for Blackburn too. His opportunities in defence will be limited next season making it even more likely.
He will be competing with Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling for a central defensive spot, and his versatility - an asset the others do not have, will lead to him being used in midfield as Ferguson seeks to accommodate the £16 million man.
Ferguson is no stranger to attempting to 'convert' players into midfield, he even tried Ferdinand there once, and unsuccessfully persisted with Alan Smith, but Jones has already showed the role comes naturally to him.
The stage of Jones' career, his competition for places in defence, combined with the fact United are unlikely to sign a specialist holding player this summer, make Phil Jones the most likely answer to Darren Fletcher's absence, whether that excites United fans or not.
Do you agree Phil Jones be handed more midfield responsibility next season?
Dan Coombs
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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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