Report: Michael Carrick to feature in friendly

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick could reportedly step up his comeback from an ankle injury by featuring in a friendly later this week.

The 33-year-old has been sidelined with the complaint since July.

However, he recently returned to training and, providing that he suffers no setbacks over the coming days, manager Louis van Gaal is keen to arrange a behind-closed-doors exhibition fixture to give Carrick some match fitness, according to the Daily Mail.

Should the England international come from that encounter unscathed, it is believed that he will be under consideration for a place in Van Gaal's squad for next Monday's trip to West Bromwich Albion.

Recent speculation has suggested that Carrick is highly regarded by Van Gaal, who would like the former Tottenham Hotspur player to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.