Michael Carrick looks set to make his return from an ankle injury for Manchester United soon after returning to training this week.

Manager Louis van Gaal revealed earlier this week that Carrick is poised to return after the international break and claims the midfielder is ahead of schedule.

The English midfielder has yet to feature for the new boss this season after being forced to go under the knife in the summer.

The former Tottenham and West Ham star is said to have started training with a ball at Carrington this week and is pushing to be included in the squad for the next Premier League game with West Brom.

The 33-year-old had looked set to be a regular for United under the Dutchman this season but now faces a fight to re-establish himself in the first-team.

United brought in Daley Blind during the summer and he has impressed as the side’s holding midfielder, while Ander Herrera is also a contender to play in the centre of the park.

Carrick’s return does give van Gaal a welcome selection headache though, given United’s previous injury problems.

His ability to play in defence could also see him drafted back into the United squad as cover, with Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans all struggling with injuries.

United’s injury crisis at the back has only deepened of late after Paddy McNair was ruled out for the next three weeks.

United are 1.74 to pick up a third win of the season after the international break at West Brom, with the Baggies 4.39 and the draw 3.74.