United midfielder Carrick ruled out for 10-12 weeks

London, July 18 (IANS) Manchester United suffered an early setback in their preparations for the start of the English Premier League season when midfielder Michael Carrick was ruled out for 10-12 weeks.

Carrick, 32, was one of the top performers for United last season, when they finished a lowly seventh.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man, who has made 31 appearances for England, will be out for 10-12 weeks after damaging ligaments in his ankle.

"Michael Carrick has had surgery on a left ankle ligament injury this morning. He will be out for 10-12 weeks," Manchester United said in a statement.

Newly appointed manager Louis van Gaal, in his first press conference Thursday, said it was a big blow for United. 

"Always it's very important we have experienced players, but not only in age, not only in football experience, but also experience as a human being," Van Gaal, who took the Netherlands to third place in the World Cup, said.

Photo Credit: fb account of Manchester United