Manchester United's Michael Carrick out 10-12 weeks after ankle surgery

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will miss the start of the 2014-15 season after having surgery on his left ankle for a ligament injury, the team

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will miss the start of the 2014-15 season after having surgery on his left ankle for a ligament injury, the team announced on Thursday. 

Carrick had the surgery Thursday morning and is expected to be out 10-12 weeks. He injured the ankle during training earlier in the week. 

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The 32-year-old Carrick is one of the more experienced players under Man U manager Louis van Gaal, making it an early blow for a team headed to the United States on Friday for a preseason tour.

“Michael was injured the day before and that's a blow for me because he's experienced,” said van Gaal. “It's very important we have experienced players.”

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United's Premier League opener is on Aug. 16 at home versus Swansea City. 

- Molly Geary