Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has expressed his belief that the return of Angel di Maria is vital to the team's chances of success this season.

The Argentine missed the majority of December with two separate injuries, but returned to action with a goal in Sunday's 2-0 win over Yeovil Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

"It was a touch of class to dink it over the goalkeeper, a fantastic goal, so credit to him," Fletcher told MUTV.

"He showed exactly what he's all about. He's learning quickly and he makes great, intelligent runs as well. He always wants the ball, he gets kicked and he just keeps getting up – he's that strong.

"We have missed him but hopefully he's back now and he can kick on for the second half of the season and be the really important player we know he's going to be."

Di Maria has netted four goals in 13 games for United this season.