Michael Carrick injury: Manchester United midfielder could be out for up to 10 weeks with ankle problem

Midfielder injured himself during training but full extent is unknown

Michael Carrick wants to repay the Manchester United fans for their support with a League Cup win over Sunderland (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United have been dealt an injury blow ahead of the season with Michael Carrick facing between 10 and 12 weeks on the sideline.

At his first press conference as Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal confirmed that Carrick, 32, will be out for "a long time".

He hurt himself during training this week and the club have now confirmed he is facing 10-12 weeks on the sideline after undergoing surgery on his left ankle ligaments.

Van Gaal said the loss of Carrick will be a "big blow".

Speaking in his first press conference in charge of the club, Van Gaal said he was targetting a title challenge.

"The challenge is always to come first. Not fourth," the 62-year-old told the media. "But that depends on things clicking between the players and manager."

Manchester United will head to the US for four pre-season matches against LA Galaxy, Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Since moving to Old Trafford from Spurs for £18m in 2006, Carrick has won five out of a possible eight Premier League titles and was named in PFA Team of the Year and United's Players' Player of the Year in 2012-13.

He has made 359 appearanes for the club, also winning a League Cup and the Champions League in 2008.