The pressure on Louis van Gaal to strengthen Manchester United’s midfield intensified today when Michael Carrick was ruled out for up to 12 weeks with ankle ligament damage.

Carrick underwent surgery this morning after the England midfielder turned on his left ankle in training on Tuesday as United’s dire injury record in recent seasons showed no signs of abating on the eve of the club’s preseason tour to the United States.

United said in a statement that Carrick would be out of action for “10 to 12 weeks” although there were suggestions today that that diagnosis could be optimistic and it may be November before the player returns. “That’s a big blow because he is an experienced player,” Van Gaal said.

Van Gaal said he