Man Utd team news: Carrick says key player is 'lot closer' to return from injury

Michael Carrick says a key player is a "lot closer" to a return to the team from injury as Manchester United prepare to face Bournemouth.

The interim boss gave his prematch press conference where he first off said that the situation has been "frustrating" with Matthijs de Ligt as he remains in the treatment room with a back injury.

But the outlook is better for Lisandro Martinez, who may return for the clash against Leeds on April 13.

"It's frustrating for Matthijs he's working to get back but it's obviously this back issue that's proving difficult so we'll keep working hard to get him back as quickly as we can," said Carrick.

And about Martinez he continued: "He's close, a lot closer and getting there and after this game I think he will be alright."

Meanwhile, for Dorgu he said "he's a bit further down the line" and Mount needs more time training to get up to full fitness.

On Mount, Carrick said: "Starting would be too much at this point just for the training time and the exposure that he has had, but it is brilliant to have him back, he is a fantastic player and great to have him around the group."

Noussair Mazraoui missed training on Wednesday as he was not feeling well, and he should be fine for the Bournemouth clash.

Looking to the game, Carrick said that United are playing well but they are also anticipating a tough clash against Bournemouth.

He said: "Yes it's a tough game, it's a tough place to go, they're on a really good run of form. We are going there on a good run and the boys are in good shape." And he added: "They are really well coached, with good energy."

Carrick has been credited with bringing calmness to the team since his arrival, but he pointed out that you also need to be emotional.

"I mean, yeah, it’s largely been calm in some ways, but actually not calm in the emotion of it, you know, in the feeling of wanting to improve," he said.

"And the boys, the way they're training and obviously the way they've played, you know, you can't be too calm all the time.

"But I think trying to be measured and calculated, so making good decisions for me and the staff, and obviously for the players as well, I think it's getting that balance right.”