Ray Wilkins: 'Michael Carrick must face Arsenal'

Former Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins has called on Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho to select Michael Carrick for this weekend's Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Man United will enter Saturday's fixture in sixth position in the Premier League table - eight points behind league leaders Liverpool and six points off fourth-placed Arsenal.

Wilkins, however, has claimed that his former club will "have a good chance" of overcoming the in-form Gunners if Mourinho picks 35-year-old Carrick to operate in the middle of the park.

"I don't think United have controlled many games," Wilkins told Sky Sports News. "I think with Carrick in the side, that's the only option they have to get some semblance of control and a bit of serenity.

"He sees the game so well, he can hit long passes and if United are going to push up and attack Arsenal then you're going to need that guy, with all his knowledge, to stop counter-attacks. I think Michael will have to play for United to have a good chance."

Carrick has been used sparingly by Mourinho in the opening months of the 2016-17 campaign, but has been on the winning side in all six of his Man United appearances this term.