Darren Fletcher nearly named among Manchester United substitutes for FA Cup tie against Cambridge

Louis van Gaal had to scribble out the name of the former vice-captain

(West Brom FC)

Darren Fletcher was nearly named among the substitutes for last night's FA Cup tie at Old Trafford, despite having left Manchester United on transfer deadline day.

The Scottish midfielder departed his boyhood club on Monday for West Brom having been told he could leave Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal.

Yet despite being one of the more high-profile transfers in deadline day, the Champions League winner was nearly included among the substitutes for the fourth round replay against Cambridge.

Pictures emerged last night of Van Gaal's notes, on which Fletcher's names was included amongst the Dutchman's seven options on the bench. Realising the error, the name was scratched out with a pen and replaced by the name of Ashley Young.

Van Gaal is rarely seen without his notebook during matches and this is not the first time it's led to minor embarrassment for the former Netherlands' coach this season.

During Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium earlier this season, the words "stupid free kick" were jotted down. Exactly whose stupid free kick wasn't clear.

A close up of Van Gaal's notes at Stoke (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United won last night's match 3-0.