MICHAEL CARRICK insists centre-back is NOT a priority for Manchester United in the transfer window.
United intend to sign two midfielders, a left-sided player and a forward in the summer – but they have also been linked with a move for Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
Having bought Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven in last season’s summer and winter transfer windows, United did not reinforce that area in the summer.
Harry Maguire signed a new one-year contract earlier this month while Lisandro Martinez is a member of the leadership group.
Injury-prone Martinez, 28, has started in 91 games across four seasons and is currently serving a three-match suspension following his red card against Leeds.
Martinez’s contract expires next year but United have the option of an additional year.
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United have five specialist centre-backs and De Ligt is practically unsellable amid a five-month absence with a back problem while demand is not expected to be high for Martinez.
Full-backs Noussair Mazraoui and Luke Shaw are also adept at filling in at centre-half and the former started there in the 1-0 win at Chelsea nine days ago.
Carrick said: “It’s not an area of concern for me at this moment in time.
“At the moment and timing wise, talking about the summer and what goes beyond that, it’s difficult to elaborate on that really.
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“Licha’s missing games for different reasons at the minute, which we won’t go into, but I understand why you are asking it.
“But no, I haven’t got concerns. I think we’ve got a mixed blend there of experience, of real quality and some young – I’d say more than talented really – two promising young players that have already shown what they can do.
“I thought Ayden was fantastic last week in such a difficult game.
“I haven’t got concerns. What the future looks like, I can’t really get involved, because I’m not sure myself what that looks like.”
De Ligt has started outdoor training but is still up against it to play again this season, with United’s final fixture at Brighton in under four weeks’ time.
The 26-year-old Dutchman has been sidelined since November 30 but De Ligt has not undergone surgery on his back.
Carrick was reluctant to offer De Ligt assurances on his future, particularly given his own job situation, which United are due to decide on at the end of the season.
Carrick added: “Talking about the summer and beyond. I think it’s difficult for me to sit here and make judgements and comment on that.
“We just want him to get back fit. I think as any footballer, to be out and missing football matches and not being able to train is a difficult time.
“It’s probably one of the toughest times that you go through as a professional.
“Obviously we’re helping him through that, supporting him through that, and trying to get him back as quickly as we can.
“Matthijs is working towards being fit again. He’s doing a little bit on the grass and it’s progress.
“But there is not much else I can say. It’s one of those injuries and he’s rehabbing, he’s working to get fit.
“So we’re hoping to have him back as soon as possible. There is not much I can add on that.
“He’s back on the grass at the moment, in a small capacity, but he’s working towards it.
“So that’s positive. We’re all hoping that it keeps going in that direction.”
United host Brentford and Liverpool this week before they travel to Sunderland next Saturday.
Nottingham Forest visit Old Trafford on the penultimate week of the campaign before United’s season ends at Brighton.
Carrick stressed he will not put pressure to make a comeback during United’s run-in.
Carrick admitted: “I was certainly hoping there is a chance that he can (play) without putting any pressure on it or deadlines on it.
“Of course, it’s something that we’re working towards and he’s working towards as well.
“So hopefully it’s the case, but there’s certainly no pressure overly to get him back. He needs to come back at the right time when he’s ready.”