Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is hopeful of signing a new contract at Old Trafford in the coming weeks.

The 33-year-old is currently ruled out of international duty, with a groin injury suffered in training preventing him from featuring in the Three Lions’ upcoming double-header against Slovenia and Scotland.

Having played only twice under Van Gaal because of a long-term ankle injury, Carrick will begin rehabilitation next week at Carrington. The Dutchman is eager to have the central midfielder fit to face Arsenal next Sunday, and Carrick hopes his improved playing time will allow a contract extension. He said:

"My contract is up at the end of the season. I want to stay, of course. I've got nowhere else to go."

My contract is up at the end of the season. I want to stay, of course. I've got nowhere else to go.

Now in his eighth year at the Theatre of Dreams, Carrick’s current deal expires next Summer, but he has expressed his delight at working under former Dutch national team coach Van Gaal.

However, he has confirmed contract talks are yet to proceed. When asked about whether negotiations with the 20-time Premier League winners have begun, he replied:

"They haven't really, not yet. But I haven't expected (that) to be honest, with the injury. It will probably around Christmas or after that."

The former Tottenham Hotspur star suffered an ankle injury just before the unveiling of Van Gaal in Manchester, having recently guided the Netherlands to a third place finish in Rio De Janeiro. He added:

"It was literally his first day in the office when I went for my operation, so that was shocking timing really.

"But he was great with me straight away, the boss. He has been great, and his staff. They have been really supportive from the first day and I have a lot to thank them for because he had a lot on his plate coming in.

"He took his time to make sure I was all right and getting on the right track."

Michael Carrick joined Manchester United from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotpsur for a £14 million fee in 2006.

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About the author
Kane Brooker
Kane is an 18-year-old Sports Journalist who predominantly covers Manchester United FC while having a heavy involvement in the Boxing office. Having joined the VAVEL team back in October 2014, he has previously featured for Sky Sports News while writing regularly for The Non-League Paper. Kane is also the club reporter, programme editor and press and communications officer for Walton Casuals Football Club.