Carrick not worried about Man Utd defensive options
[Getty Images] Manchester United boss Michael Carrick says central defence is not a position he is worried about even though he had to use Noussair Mazraoui as a stand-in at Chelsea last week. With Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez both suspended, and Leny Yoro joining Matthijs de Ligt on the injured list, 19-year-old Ayden Heaven was Carrick's only recognised centre-back in the win at Stamford Bridge. Maguire is available for Monday's game against Brentford at Old Trafford but given Martinez's patchy injury record and De Ligt's continued absence, it has been suggested Tottenham 's Micky van de Ven could be a summer target, even though United's priority remains central midfield.
While Carrick accepts it is difficult to talk about the future too much, he is happy with his current crop of central defenders. "It's not an area of concern for me," he said. "We've got a mixed blend of experience, real quality and two promising young players who have already shown what they can do.
"I haven't got concerns. I can't really get involved in what the future looks like, because I'm not sure myself. " The Brentford game will be the 22nd successive match De Ligt will have missed with a back complaint, having started all 15 Premier League games up to that point.
De Ligt was pictured running and doing fitness work on United's Carrington training pitches at the end of last week. While Carrick accepts the training is "only in a small capacity", he is not prepared to rule the 26-year-old Netherlands defender out for the rest of the season. "I am certainly hoping there is a chance that he can [play] without putting any pressure or deadlines on it," he said.
"Of course, it's something we're working towards but he needs to come back at the right time - when he's ready. "