Carrick vows to play on despite heart condition
Midfielder is treated for irregular cardiac rhythm Mourinho warning to returning Mkhitaryan
Michael Carrick, the Manchester United midfielder, was forced to have a procedure on his heart after suffering dizzy spells.
Carrick underwent a cardiac ablation to correct an irregular heart rhythm after suffering a health scare during 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 to United’s dressing room by paramedics at the end of the game as a precaution.
Carrick went for a series of tests before the problem was diagnosed and he had a cardiac ablation – a procedure to resolve an 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 the player was able to do over that period.
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 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 United 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.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that the Armenian was facing a serious battle to win back Mourinho’s trust, especially now the Portuguese has more attacking options with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini back from injury.
The manager acknowledged that he wanted to see a lot more from the player. “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],” he said.
United legend Eric Cantona claimed yesterday that he wished his former club had appointed Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola over Mourinho. “I cannot understand why United would take a manager who plays in a defensive way,” said the Frenchman ahead of the 25th anniversary of his move from Leeds to Old Trafford tomorrow. “I love Mourinho but I prefer the way Guardiola plays.”
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