Carrick gives update on fitness of Man Utd duo

Michael Carrick has issued an update on the fitness of Mason Mount , saying he is back on the grass and training.

Mount has not played since January 17, and has barely featured under new boss Carrick.

Speaking about his fitness, Carrick said: “Mason is getting closer, he’s on the grass, he’s looking to train and be around it. We’ve just had to be patient really.”

Another player he has had to do without is Matthijs de Ligt , who has been out since November with a back issue.

Carrick said: “Matthijs has had a back issue, which has been a little bit sore to progress really.

“He’s heading in the right direction. It’s the nature of the injury, the issue in the back, it’s a difficult one to pin down time wise. He’s definitely improving.”

Information on de Ligt’s issues have been vague ever since November, and they look to be remaining that way.

Benjamin Sesko has not yet started a game under Carrick, but has three goals in his last four appearances off the bench.

There has been clamour for him to start, and Carrick said: “The whole thing is a real positive. It’s certainly not a decision that I look at in a negative way. We’re playing well as a team, we’re not getting carried away and thinking that carries on.

“The forwards have scored a good number of goals, Ben has been so good in so many ways. It’s really not a drama. It just shows the quality Ben has got. If he starts the next game or the one after, it is what it is, but he’s doing so many good things.

“I think Bryan has played high on the last line a lot of the time. We’ve played in different ways. Four points in two games away from home isn’t so bad, being able to change it from the bench is a real strength.”