Despite winning six matches in a row Manchester United manager Luis van Gaal has challenged his team to improve their performance levels over 90 minutes.
Manchester United vice-captain Michael Carrick could move up into his favoured midfield position because of Marouane Fellaini’s absence ahead of the weekend’s match with Aston Villa.
Carrick, who says he considers himself a midfielder always, has been used by Louis van Gaal in a centre-back role in recent matches and the results have been stellar for the club.
Aston Villa
Manchester United
3:00 PM GMT
United have won all six games since Carrick returned to the first team following an ankle injury, but Van Gaal insists the England midfielder’s form is not the sole reason why the Red Devils have improved.
“I think you give too much honour to Michael Carrick,” Van Gaal said. “But he is my captain so he brings a lot of experience but also a lot of composure.”
It was widely thought Darren Fletcher had been appointed as United vice-captain in the summer, but Van Gaal says Carrick is Wayne Rooney’s deputy.
“I have three captains, in a sequence,” Van Gaal said. “Rooney is one, Carrick is two, Fletcher is three.”
At his pre-match press conference Van Gaal called out Carrick for the calming effect he has on his squad’s defence.
“He can transfer my philosophy on to the pitch,” said Van Gaal.
Carrick featured in the middle of a three-man defence in United’s 3-0 win vs. Liverpool last weekend, but Van Gaal said the move from midfield isn’t necessarily permanent.
“Now we don’t have Daley Blind, when I choose Carrick in defence, I miss him in midfield.”