Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick to miss Champions League tie due to illness

Michael Carrick thinks whoever handles the occasion better, rather than recent records, will dictate the outcome of the fixture (Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Michael Carrick will miss tomorrow's Champions League encounter with CFR Cluj due to illness.

Carrick did not train at Carrington this morning and was also absent when United left Manchester at lunchtime.

But rather than being rested, Ferguson confirmed the England man was not well enough to be considered.

"Michael did not report today. He is in bed with a virus," said Ferguson.

The United boss also confirmed veteran wide-man Ryan Giggs left training this morning after also feeling unwell, while Paul Scholes was not considered due to the exertion of completing the full 90 minutes in Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by Tottenham.

"Ryan had a bit of a virus this morning," said Ferguson.

"He was feeling a bit rough so we sent him home.

"Paul Scholes played ever so well on Saturday but he is 37 now and we couldn't expect him to play three days later at his age."

PA