Carrick to plug United gap

Cape Town - Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will be utilised as a central defender as the side struggles with injury and suspension woes.

Michael Carrick is willing to play out of position in order to assist his struggling team according to the Guardian.

The seasoned professional made his first appearance of the 2014/15 season on Sunday and was forced to drop back into the centre of defence following Chris Smalling's red card.

“If I need to play there then fine I have not had a lot of football recently so I will play anywhere,” said Carrick.

Carrick has now recovered from a serious ankle injury but will work his way back to full fitness at the heart of United's defence.

“It’s not somewhere I have played an awful lot of games. I have had spells of playing there over the years, playing two or three or four games in a season. But I don’t mind. I will play anywhere.”

Manchester United have serious injury problems with Marcos Rojo out for up to three months, Jonny Evans and Phil Jones remained sidelined while Chris Smalling is suspended for Saturday's clash against Crystal Palace.

Paddy McNair or Tyler Blackett will most likely partner Carrick at the back for the Red Devils.