Carrick on team news, Mainoo form and being 'measured and calm'

Carrick confirmed Lisandro Martinez is "a lot closer" to a return and could be available after the international break, while Patrick Dorgu is "further down the line" and Noussair Mazraoui is ill but should be OK for Friday. The situation with Matthijs de Ligt is "frustrating" for the player but they are "working as hard as we can" to get him fit.

Asked about Mason Mount's current fitness levels, he responded: "Starting would be too much at this point, from training time and the exposure he's had. It's brilliant to have him back, he's a fantastic player and great to have around the group. The break coming up is a good time for him."

After two wins in their past seven away games, Carrick said it is "just form and results" and they don't pay too much attention to it: "We've had some good results at home, that doesn't mean that is fixed and we can move on to something else. It's been nice to win at home and play at Old Trafford with a real feeling of confidence and for the supporters to feel that. But we're not having a major difference in preparation or mindset."

On Kobbie Mainoo's form: "You can always improve on a lot of things. Just the age he's at, there is so much more to come and develop, that's the stage he's at in his career. He's doing really well, not having a lot of football, to come in and play a run of games, he found his rhythm quickly and his natural flow."

Carrick is expecting "a real mix for the group" over the international break and the following week off. He acknowledged they will "have to be flexible to come out the back of it in good shape", adding: "We're mindful of it for sure. It's unique in some ways, having the week after the internationals to prepare. Normally it's a rush to get everyone back as quickly as possible."

With an apparent calmness around the club right now, the United boss said "sometimes it needs to be calm and stable, sometimes it needs to be on edge and a bit tetchy", but they want to be "measured and calculated" to get the balance right.

On Bournemouth test: "It's a tough game, a tough place to go. They're on a really good run of form, but it's a difficult game. Going there, we've had a good run, the boys are in good shape, but always a difficult game - we know that. Really well-coached team and good energy so we know we'll be in for a game."

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