Carrick ruled out for four weeks with amuscle rupture

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has been ruled out for around four weeks with amuscle rupture.

Carrick was injured during pre-season and missed the start of the campaign before returning for the Manchester derby, which saw United lose 1-0 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on November 2.

The 33-year-old has played 14 times in total for Louis van Gaal’s side this season and the Dutchman confirmed the news in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s game with Leicester.

There was some positive news on winger Ashley Young though, who is making good progress after suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw at Stoke on New Year’s Day.

“Ashley Young is coming back, only now Michael Carrick has been injured, so he is out at the weekend,” van Gaal told the club’s official website.

“I think it shall take more than four weeks, so it is not a minor injury but a muscle rupture, I think.

"He is also the second captain but I have to say that’s part of the job of a manager, especially this season at Manchester United, because we have suffered a lot of injuries. 

"But now we have seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, Michael Carrick can be important for the team but he is now injured, so he cannot be."