“It was a bad blow losing Carrick,” Ferguson told United’s official website. “I went to shake his hand at the end of the game and he couldn’t lift his arm. I knew he was in pain, so we sent him for an x-ray and it confirmed it was a broken arm.
“It’s a blow especially as his last three performances have been spot on. That was the Michael Carrick of last season. I thought he had a slow start to the campaign, but he was gathering momentum again. He was superb against Chelsea, Birmingham and Roma.
“Fortunately, I’ve still got options,” added Sir Alex. “I can bring Ryan Giggs into midfield, or young Anderson, and John O’Shea can also play there. I’m not too bad, but nonetheless it’s a blow.”
