Carrick closes in on return

DARREN FLETCHER is expected to keep his place in the Manchester United starting XI for tonight’s visit of West Ham United, even though Michael Carrick has returned to training after an ankle injury.

Carrick may be on the bench for the Premier League clash and could be joined by Ryan Giggs after the Welshman started Saturday’s disappointing draw at Everton.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson must resolve the usual right–back conundrum, with Wes Brown, Gary Neville and Rafael da Silva all vying for selection, while Carlos Tevez is pushing for a recall given the number of chances his side frittered away at Goodison Park.

Meanwhile, City chief Mark Hughes will make late fitness checks on Jo (tonsillitis), Ched Evans (knee) and Richard Dunne (chest) for tonight’s trip to Middlesbrough.