• Premier League

Carrick injured for up to three months

ESPN staff
July 17, 2014
Michael Carrick's loss will be a huge blow for new manager Louis van Gaal © Getty Images
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Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick will be sidelined for up to three months after the midfielder had surgery on left ankle ligaments on Thursday morning.

During his presentation to the media as United's new manager, Van Gaal revealed Carrick was injured and described the loss as a "big blow".

"Michael was injured the day before and that's a blow for me because he's experienced," Van Gaal said.

Van Gaal was also full of praise for the 32 year old, adding: "You have to know that I'm not always convinced of the experience of players.

"For example, a boy like Clarence Seedorf - he was 16 years old when I let him make his debut for Ajax but he was sometimes more experienced than a player of 30 years old.

"It's very important that we have experienced players but not only in age, not only in football but also experience as human being.

"My philosophy is not only the football player but also in total - and then there are not so many 'experienced' players."

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