Louis van Gaal has reported positive Manchester United injury news, explaining that only Robin van Persie is injured, following picking up a knock in last weekend's defeat to Swansea City.

A positive for Van Gaal is the return of Michael Carrick to training, with the Dutch manager believing that the England international offers an experienced head on the pitch for the Red Devils.




Speaking at a press conference ahead of Manchester United's weekend match against Sunderland, Van Gaal said: "Now Robin van Persie is the only injured player because Carrick trained yesterday for the first time with the group, but he has an ankle injury now, so we will have to wait and see how long that shall take. James Wilson is available."

 


Specifically stressing the importance of having Carrick back amongst his group, Van Gaal said: "It is of course always important that players are coming back from injuries, but he is my second captain.

"He is very experienced and he can play in a very important position, but he also needs match rhythm."

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However, the Manchester United manager cooled thoughts of Carrick being instantly drafted back into action and announced plans to play him in the reserves first.

"He trained only one time with us, with the group so he needs to also play in the second team."

Manchester United, who sit fourth in the Premier League standings, will bid to bounce back from last weekend's defeat to Swansea when they host Sunderland at Old Trafford this weekend.

Following last weekend's loss, sixth placed Liverpool are only two points off the Red Devils.

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