Carrick keen to avoid defence duty

John O'Shea and Rafael limped off with hamstring problems during Tuesday's win over Marseiile meaning unless Jonny Evans is able to recover from a calf problem that has kept him out of United's last eight games, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will have only four fit defenders available.

It is a similar position to the one United found themselves in last December when Carrick had to play in defence for a match at Fulham which the Red Devils lost 3-0, and the midfielder told MUTV: "It did get a mention in the changing room. I said to Mike Phelan 'I don't fancy that again'."

He added: "It is never nice to get the injuries of course. It is disappointing when you pick up a number in a similar position.

"But I don't think we are that desperate yet and hopefully I won't be called upon."

Source: PA

Source: PA