Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal feels Michael Carrick is not yet ready to start a Premier League match after recovering from a long injury layoff.

Carrick has recovered from a muscle rupture and was on the bench in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford last Saturday.




However, Van Gaal feels he took a risk in naming the England man as one of the substitutes and he was only named in the squad because Phil Jones, Luke Shaw and Victor Valdes were missing.

The Dutchman believes tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle United will be too soon for Carrick to start, but added that he might still be involved as a substitute due to his experience.
 


"I think it is too early for Michael Carrick", Van Gaal told MUTV.

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"He trained now in three training sessions with us. Because of the three players I didn't bring with us [against Sunderland], he was in the 18 and I took a risk with that.

“As a substitute, you can play 20 minutes, which he can do. He has the experience so I can make an exception. He is also a captain, so I can make an exception, but it is not often I do that."

The Manchester United boss also revealed that he is only missing Robin van Persie with an injury from his squad, as they prepare to travel to St. James' Park.

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