Manchester United sweat over Michael Carrick's fitness as he nurses ankle injury

Michael Carrick (L)

Manchester United have been dealt another injury blow as midfielder Michael Carrick hobbled off at Old Trafford against Sunderland last night, report The Metro.

The England midfielder was replaced in extra time by Phil Jones after sustaining a knock to his ankle.

Carrick had helped United claw themselves back into contention in the semi-final after Jonny Evans’ first-half header leveled the tie on aggregate.

The sight of seeing Carrick limp off the field with another injury will not have been a pleasant one for David Moyes who is set to cheer himself – and everyone at the club – up with the imminent £37 million signing of Spaniard Juan Mata.

It was reported last night that Chelsea had accepted the bid from United for Mata who has not featured heavily this season, compared to his first two years at the club.

The injury blow to Carrick will add to Moyes’ heartache, though, as Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are still not fit enough to play.

Carrick has made 52 interceptions this season, more than any other Man United player.