Manchester United fans who have been calling for Michael Carrick’s return might well find themselves frustrated come the Leicester game this weekend.
The midfielder did play in the 3-1 EFL Cup win over Northampton, scoring the opening goal for the Red Devils, but Jose Mourinho still refused to be drawn on his performance.
Speaking to MUFC TV after the game, Mourinho simply said of Carrick:
“I think he was fine.”
“I don’t want to individualise too much,” he added.
That suggests Mourinho has no intention of breaking up Paul Pogba’s partnership with Marouane Fellaini in the centre of the midfield, even if both have been thoroughly mediocre so far this season.
Carrick may be in his thirties, but in a game like the Leicester one which shouldn’t be too fast-paced, he could be ideal.
Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, may have blown his last chance to impress with another shocking performance, initially up front and then on the right wing.
It will certainly be a pity if Carrick’s display has indeed failed to change Mourinho’s mind on him, but it would hardly be surprising if that was the case.
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