Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Manchester United Louis van Gaal has revealed that he dropped Michael Carrick for the Premier League clash with Newcastle in order to save him for other matches and give himself a chance to improve the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The Germany international, who joined United in a £15m summer move, replaced Carrick in United’s midfield in the only change made to the side that saw offer Club Brugge and Aston Villa over the last eight days.
With Schweinsteiger making his first start of the season, many believed that the XI named at Old Trafford would be the preferred line-up this season, but Van Gaal insists Carrick still have a place among his squad.
Speaking to BT Sport ahead of the match, Van Gaal said: "I have to build him [Schweinsteiger] up. When you want to play him more for than 45 minutes you have to start with him.
"Everybody is saying he is a world champion and he has won a lot of things but every player has to prove that.
Show all 23 1 /23Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets GOALKEEPERS: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham) Still a possibility depending on what happens with David De Gea. He is a top player and it's a move that would make a lot of sense.
PA
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Jasper Cillessen (Ajax) See Lloris - except he's not quite as good. But he is Dutch.
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets DEFENDERS: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) Played United like a kipper, earning himself a whopping new contract to stay in Madrid.
Getty Images
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City) This one will hurt. The former Valencia centre-back should prove to be excellent for City - United were said to be leading the charge.
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund) A rumour that went on and on and on before dying away - maybe he just wanted better terms all along. Probably the exact player United need.
Getty Images
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) United were supposed to be battling Chelsea for the hottest defensive prospect in football. Why would Real Madrid sell?
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool) One of numerous right-backs linked with the club before they moved for Matteo Darmian. The England man chose the Reds over United and Chelsea, impressed by Brendan Rodgers.
Getty Images
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Seamus Coleman (Everton) Rafael Da Silva completely fell out of Van Gaal's plans last season - United were linked with numerous right-backs.
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Gregory van der Wiel (PSG) He's Dutch, he's a right-back - there didn't seem to be much else to it.
Getty Images
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets MIDFIELDERS: Lucas Biglia (Lazio) Arguably the oddest rumour of the entire widow. An unheralded layer on the verge of turning 30 who plays in a position in which United are arguably strongest.
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich) Manchester United were concerned about a lingering knee injury. Bayern Munich were clearly not.
twitter.com/fcbayern
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid) The versatile Turk was said to be happy to move to the club but his £29m release clause was too high.
Getty Images
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) Were leading the race for the Brazilian but only wanted to pay around £15m - Liverpool came in with a £30m bid to blow them out of the water.
PA
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets FORWARDS: Pedro (Barcelona) Was in United's hands but dithering over a price allowed Chelsea to steal him.
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) A new rumour, seems unlikely for a multitude of reasons.
Getty Images
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Harry Kane (Tottenham) A budding young English star, he'd be a fit at Old Trafford - but he's not worth £50m.
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) Has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford but Arsenal's interest is pushing up the price.
Getty
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Edinson Cavani (PSG) Seemed realistic for a time with Cavani unhappy in Paris - but the French club appear to have picked him over ageing star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Dream on...
GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) Until he lives up to his world record price tag a move back to the Premier League will always be on the cards.
GETTY MAGES
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) Van Gaal's 'star pupil', United have appearently lodged a £60m bid. Bayern unlikely to sell one of their biggest assets, who has been at the club since he was 11.
Getty Images
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Sadio Mane (Southampton) A legitimate, if odd, bit of gossip. Southampton don't want to sell the 23-year-old but he may have had his head turned.
Getty Images
Manchester United's alternative 23-man squad of transfer targets Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG) Has been put up for sale by the French champions and was linked with Man United, because why not?
Getty images
"To do that for Manchester United is not so easy but I have great confidence in him.
"I want to spare Michael Carrick for other matches. Last year he was very much injured and I want to prevent that."
The Independent has launched a new football app! Live scores, in-game stats, breaking news, videos and push notifications are just some of the many features. Use the links below to download and get more from Indy Football...
iPhone http://ind.pn/iphonefootball
iPad http://ind.pn/ipadfootball
Android http://ind.pn/androidfootball
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies