Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has revealed that midfielder Michael Carrick has been ruled out for the rest of the season with injury. The England international has missed recent matches and won't return before next term after United misjudged the severity of his problem.

"Carrick is not available, it was more heavy than we thought," van Gaal told MUTV.

"We tried everything but now we have to think about next season. He shall not play anymore this season, it's better now to focus for him on next season and being fit to start.

"When you see the stats, it's clear that he's very important but that's also because we have only right-sided holding midfielder.

"That's what I am saying already in the whole of the season, that our selection is not balanced, and I want to restore that in the next transfer period. The life is not ending at 34, but for a professional football player, it's close by. That's why I have to handle again in that position."