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PLENTY MOUR TO COME

Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera reassured over Manchester United futures by Jose Mourinho

Carrick has not played a minute since being named club skipper, while Herrera has lost his place in Mourinho's side

ANDER HERRERA and Michael Carrick have been reassured over their Manchester United futures by Jose Mourinho.

Carrick, 36, has not played a minute since being named club captain over the summer.

 Ander Herrera has started just one game this season for Man Utd
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Ander Herrera has started just one game this season for Man UtdCredit: Getty
 Michael Carrick is yet to play a minute of action last season
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Michael Carrick is yet to play a minute of action last seasonCredit: Getty

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And Herrera - who has been eyed by Barcelona - has only started the game against Stoke and was overlooked for Marouane Fellaini in United's win over Everton on Sunday.

Both could start against Burton in the Carabao Cup tonight. And Mourinho says they can expect plenty more minutes.

The United boss said: "(Sergio) Romero played the Europa League final, which was the game of the season for us and he is not playing.

"Ander Herrera was player of the season and is not starting matches.

"That's life in big clubs. We gave him a contract because we think he is a good player, an important player.

"He is just in a team where I think in this moment (Nemanja) Matic and (Marouane) Fellaini are in the best form that I have ever seen them.

 Jose Mourinho has reassured both players over their United futures
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Jose Mourinho has reassured both players over their United futuresCredit: AFP
 Nemanja Matic is on top form, according to Mourinho
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Nemanja Matic is on top form, according to MourinhoCredit: Reuters

"I never saw Matic or Fellaini play so well, so he is in a team with these two guys playing absolutely phenomenal, so for Carrick and Ander it's just patience because that time will arrive and they will be important players for us for sure.

"That's a team, that's a squad, we can only play with 11 guys."

Carrick, Herrera and Romero are likely to get a chance on Wednesday as David De Gea, Antonio Valencia, Matic and Eric Bailly have been given two days off by Mourinho.

The United boss says that quartet are the only players being rested, with Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay hoping to get their first minutes of the season.

 Mourinho reckons Fellaini is in the best form of his career
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Mourinho reckons Fellaini is in the best form of his careerCredit: Rex Features

Mourinho added: "Of course David, Bailly aren't playing but if you go to the next round probably these guys play and I give rest to others.

"Our squad is good but we don't have 30 players, we have what we have and a couple of injuries now with (Paul) Pogba and (Axel) Tuanzebe.

"So we need some of the players that played today to play and we need some to be on the bench.

"We need to have a strong team. I know the quality of the Championship and I know if we don't take it seriously, we are going to lose."

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