Michael Carrick's isolation at Manchester United has alerted clubs looking for January reinforcements.

The 36-year-old former England midfielder has seen his final playing year at Old Trafford hit the buffers after playing just one game all season against Burton in the Carabao Cup.

That’s not how Carrick envisaged his last season at the club and it’s left him frustrated especially after picking up an injury which has kept him sidelined recently.

Carrick has played almost 400 games for United since his £18million move from Tottenham in 2006 and as the elder statesman of the dressing room he didn’t expect to be playing every week.

Carrick has barely played in his final year (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

But the highly respected star, who is set to return from injury next week, is desperate for more game time although it’s believed he’s no thoughts of leaving.

That hasn’t stopped Aston Villa, West Brom and Leicester keeping an eye on how much involvement he gets when he’s fit.

But with Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini closing in on a return to fitness and youngster Scott McTominay impressing Jose Mourinho and his staff Carrick could find his opportunities squeezed even more.

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