Relieved Carrick back in training after undergoing heart procedure

MICHAEL CARRICK was forced to have a procedure on his heart after being struck down by dizzy spells.

Carrick underwent a cardiac ablation to correct an irregular heart rhythm after suffering a health scare during Manchester United’s League Cup victory over Burton Albion in late September.

The 36-year-old felt unwell during the second half of the 4-1 win and, although he was able to finish the 90 minutes, an ECG machine was sent down to United’s dressing room by paramedics at the end of the game as a precaution. Carrick was then sent for a series of tests before the problem was diagnosed and he had a cardiac ablation – a procedure to resolve abnormal heart rhythm.

It is thought Carrick was given a full assessment around eight weeks later to establish that the procedure had been a success, although it limited the amount of training he was able to do.

The club captain is thought to be targeting United’s final Champions League game at home to CSKA Moscow on Tuesday week for his comeback.

Carrick (right) said last night: “I would like to reassure everyone that I’m healthy and back training hard with the team. I’m building up my fitness and aiming to be back in contention for selection soon. Thanks for your support.”

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has admitted he is unhappy with Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s form and accused the United playmaker of “disappearing” during matches.

Mkhitaryan has been omitted from United’s squads for the past two games against Newcastle and Basel after Mourinho’s patience finally wore thin.

But while Mourinho revealed Mkhitaryan would return to the fold at home to Brighton today, he has left the player under no illusions that there will have to be a sharp upturn in his performances if he is to regain a regular place.

Mourinho said: “His performance levels in terms of goal scoring and assists, high pressing, recovering the ball high up the pitch, bringing the team with him as a No 10, were decreasing step by step. That was enough (to drop him).”

Elsewhere, United legend Eric Cantona said that he wished his former club had appointed Pep Guardiola over Mourinho.

Cantona said Guardiola – whose City side are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and playing some of the best football seen in England – would have been the “logical” fit for United. Speaking on the eve of the 25th anniversary of his move from Leeds to Old Trafford, Cantona told the BBC: “I cannot understand why United would take a manager who plays in a defensive way. I love Mourinho but I prefer to watch Barcelona play. I prefer the way Guardiola plays, and I would prefer him as manager of United.

“I cannot understand why United would take a manager who plays in a defensive way.” (© Daily Telegraph, London)