Despite contrary beliefs due to his early substitution against Club Brugge for Bastian Schweinsteiger , Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has clarified any reports about an injury to midfielder Michael Carrick. The veteran midfielder was subbed at half-time in Manchester United’s Champions league play-off match against Club Brugge which initiated rumours that the 34 year old might have succumbed to injury.
However Dutch boss Louis Van Gaal has successfully put any rumour about Carrick’s injury to bed confirming that yesterday’s substitution was a tactical move. This isn’t the first time Michael Carrick is being substituted this season, the 34 year old was also subbed off in United’s previous matches in the season against Tottenham and Aston Villa for none other than Bastian Schweinsteiger.
It is expected that Bastian Schweinsteiger should be starting ahead of Michael Carrick but due to lack of fitness, the English midfielder has started all United’s three games this season. However Michael Carrick has failed to impress Louis Van Gaal in this very rare opportunity which the 34 year old might not get over the course of the season.
The English man has looked largely off pace this season and has failed to stamp his authority and control in United’s matches so far which is the why the 34 year old has failed to finish a match. With Schweinsteiger still battling for total fitness, many would expect Michael Carrick to step up and make a case for himself as a first choice over Schweinsteiger.
But Carrick’s performances in this past three matches will do nothing to convince Louis Van Gaal and maybe it might be time for Bastian Schweinsteiger to be drafted into the first team.