Carrick reveals ‘two or three issues’ ahead of Chelsea match
Manchester United have “two or three little issues” with players’ fitness ahead of their match against Chelsea, says caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
The former England midfielder got off to the perfect start in his temporary role on Tuesday night with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal to guarantee them a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Now they face an even harder prospect on Sunday when they travel to Stamford Bridge where they will face Premier League leaders Chelsea.
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The Blues have only lost once in the league all season, while Man Utd are on a run of five defeats in their last seven Premier League fixtures.
On team news for their clash against Thomas Tuchel’s men, Carrick told reporters on Friday: “We got two or three little issues.
“It is never ideal. One or two we are waiting on and Luke [Shaw] took a bang on the head a few weeks ago and took a bang against Watford. We’ll make a call on him.
“Fred twisted his ankle, played a big part, we will have to see how that settles down. One or two others.”
Jadon Sancho scored his first Man Utd goal on Tuesday and Carrick thinks the former Borussia Dortmund winger can play an important role moving forward.
Carrick added: “He is a terrific player Jadon. He’s never happier than when the ball’s at his feet. He’s trying to create things, going at defenders, trying to score goals. That’s when he’s at his happiest, I’ve seen that in games and in training.
💬 “He’s a terrific player, Jadon. He’s never happier than when the ball’s at his feet,” Carrick continues.
“He’s trying to create things, going at defenders, trying to score goals. That’s when he’s at his happiest, I’ve seen that in games and in training.” 📈#MUFC | #CHEMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 26, 2021
“The other side is his attitude, work rate. He put in an overall performance. He has got a massive future ahead of him.
“Creation in any team is important and that is why we brought him to the club. There is so much more to come from him.”
Donny van de Beek is another player who has struggled for game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season but he too started against Villarreal on Tuesday.
Carrick continued: “Donny’s one of those players who’s so flexible and can play different positions, he did the same at Ajax and for Holland. Variety can be a real strength.
“We’ve got ideas for where we think Donny is most suited but being so flexible is a real strength and a credit to what he can be for the team.”
