Carrick not worried about Man Utd defensive options

While Carrick accepts it is difficult to talk about the future too much, he is happy with his current crop of central defenders.

"It's not an area of concern for me," he said. "We've got a mixed blend of experience, real quality and two promising young players who have already shown what they can do.

"I haven't got concerns. I can't really get involved in what the future looks like, because I'm not sure myself."

The Brentford game will be the 22nd successive match De Ligt will have missed with a back complaint, having started all 15 Premier League games up to that point.

De Ligt was pictured running and doing fitness work on United's Carrington training pitches at the end of last week.

While Carrick accepts the training is "only in a small capacity", he is not prepared to rule the 26-year-old Netherlands defender out for the rest of the season.

"I am certainly hoping there is a chance that he can [play] without putting any pressure or deadlines on it," he said.

"Of course, it's something we're working towards but he needs to come back at the right time - when he's ready."