Report: Louis van Gaal to play Michael Carrick in Manchester United defence

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly planning to call on Michael Carrick to help ease his defensive woes.

The 33-year-old is believed to be closing in on a return to action after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season.

Currently, United have defenders Jonny Evans and Phil Jones out injured, while Tyler Blackett is suspended after getting sent off in last Sunday's 5-3 defeat to Leicester City.

According to The Express, Van Gaal has held talks with Carrick about playing in a defensive role, despite the player himself preferring to remain in midfield.

Carrick slotted into the centre-back role on occasion for the Red Devils under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.