Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick out injured for a 'long time'

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that midfielder Michael Carrick will be on the sidelines for a 'long time' after he suffered an injury earlier this week.

The Dutchman revealed the news during his first press conference as United manager this afternoon.

The 62-year-old told the gathered media: "Michael Carrick - he is injured in the last day or the day before. So that is, in my opinion, a big blow because he is an experienced player."

When asked how long the midfielder is expected to be out of action for, he said: "Much too long for me."

According to the Daily Mail, Carrick had surgery this morning after suffering damage to a bone in his left ankle.

United are yet to make an official announcement regarding the midfielder's fitness.