Michael Carrick Injury: Updates on Manchester United Star's Status and Return

Updates from Monday, Oct. 20

Manchester United confirm Michael Carrick is available to play today:

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Manchester United playmaker Michael Carrick could play a part in the club's upcoming Premier League clash with West Brom, as the Red Devils step up his recovery from injury.

The 33-year-old has yet to feature for new boss Louis van Gaal after damaging his ankle ligaments in July, but according to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, the club are trying to arrange a behind-closed-doors game this week to help expedite his recuperation.

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The England international midfielder is reportedly perceived as a vital player by the new Dutch boss, and according to Jones’ piece, Van Gaal did consider making Carrick captain before eventually deciding to hand the armband to Wayne Rooney.

With that in mind, it will be intriguing to see exactly how he fits into the United lineup.

After signing Angel di Maria, Ander Herrera and Daley Blind in the summer transfer window, United have a myriad of quality options in the midfield positions. If Van Gaal continues to deploy the diamond formation, Carrick would most likely be best suited as the deep-lying playmaker, but it’s a duty Blind has performed very astutely in his short United career so far.

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Nonetheless, United fan site The Peoples Person thinks Carrick's return will make a big difference to the team:

According to Jones’ piece, Carrick could be set for a change of role.

Van Gaal supposedly envisages him as a libero—a central defender capable of bringing the ball out and starting attacks from deep. It’s a role Carrick certainly has the requisite passing range for, but during his admittedly brief stints as a centre-back, he’s looked pretty easy to get the better of defensively.

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Regardless of how he’ll fit into the side, the return of such an experienced player can only be a good thing for United.

After a summer of seismic change, it’s important to preserve some stability. With eight years at the club and a plethora of trophies won, Carrick’s understated influence could potentially be a key facet in a prosperous campaign for the Red Devils.