Carrick back in business

MICHAEL Carrick is delighted to back in demand with club and country after injuries and Manchester United’s worst start for 28 years made for a miserable opening to the season.

United have taken only 13 points from their first 10 Premier League games, an underwhelming run that new manager Louis van Gaal has admitted isn’t good enough.

With his side currently 10th in the table, tomorrow’s game against struggling Crystal Palace at home is one Van Gaal needs to win to restore belief the side is heading in the right direction.

Carrick (33) is set to continue out of position at centre-back alongside either the inexperienced Tyler Blackett or Paddy McNair after replacing Smalling, following the latter’s dismissal in the first half of United’s 1-0 derby loss at Manchester City last Sunday.

It’s a role Carrick is happy to fill, even though his recall by England for their up-coming European Championship qualifier against Slovenia on 15 November and a friendly against Scotland will be in a more familiar midfield role following a long-awaited return to the squad.

“I’m just happy to be fit and playing games at the minute,” Carrick said. “After being out for so long it’s great to get back in the squad here, first and foremost, and be around that.”