Louis van Gaal Faces Selection Headache As Manchester United Receive Key Injury Boost Ahead Of West Brom Clash

Manchester United have been handed a key injury boost ahead of an important few weeks as Michael Carrick will return to action with the United u21 side later next week. The defensive midfielder will finally get some game time after suffering from an ankle injury that has kept him out since July.

The 33-year old’s return to fitness will be vital for Manchester United as they will face Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in the span of 4 matches starting from late October.

United manager Louis Van Gaal told MUTV, “He also needs match rhythm and, until now, he has not played a match so we have to give him a chance to play a match. Maybe next Friday with the second squad.

“Maybe we’ll use him on the bench (on Monday) but I don’t know.”

United have missed the midfielder’s presence on the pitch as they have struggled to gain control of the midfield in the games they have played so far. Carrick’s absence affected the defence that was used to having the security in front of them. Dutch midfielder Daley Blind’s arrival has helped plug the gap to a certain extent.

Herrera could feature against West Brom

Ander Herrera suffered from a broken rib 3 weeks ago and wasn’t expected to play again until end of October. However, reports have emerged that the Spaniard could play against the baggies by virtue of a painkilling injection.

Herrera’s form has been a key factor in United’s recent resurgence after a poor start, and if he does play then it could play a positive effect against a good West Brom side.

Louis Van Gaal’s side find themselves 4th in the league despite a slow start, mainly due to the back-to-back wins achieved in the last few weeks against West Ham and Everton. They’ll play against a West Brom side who have had a decent start under their new manager Alan Irvine.