Manchester United have begun talks with Michael Carrick with the aim of keeping him for at least another year, according to reports in England. The Times report that the club would start talks with the veteran after their EFL Cup final clash with Southampton on February 26.
The 36-year old agreed to one-year deals in the last two years. However, Coach Jose Mourinho raised doubts with his comments about the player recently.
“I have seen many positives in Carrick, but I cannot go to his identity card and delete five years. Michael is not 30,” the former Chelsea coach said.
Mourinho might have backtracked if the reports are true.
On the other hand, ahead of a clash with Saint Etienne in the Europa League, Mourinho has ruled out Carrick, Wayne Rooney and Phil Jones. The three players were not available for training on Wednesday as they are reportedly with fitness issues ahead of the clash with the Ligue 1 side.
The Red Devils are poised to host the team at Old Trafford on Thursday but would have to do so without the trio.
“Wayne and Michael are – I don’t want to say injured, because I don’t think we are talking about injuries. We are speaking about little muscular problem and protection of these problems. So all three are out tomorrow and, apart from that, everything is alright,” Mourinho said ahead of the game.
Marcos Rojo is expected to play in place of the players with Jones out after his injury in the FA Cup victory over Wigan. Rooney has not started a game since January 10 and it seems it might take longer with the fitness issue.
Luke Shaw is not likely to feature for the club, as many would have thought. The 21-year old has only featured twice this year. Mourinho confirmed that he would play his regular back four: “Valencia, Bailly, Smalling and Daley Blind.”