Carrick: Close to return

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Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to recall Michael Carrick for Manchester United's opening UEFA Champions League game in the absence of Paul Scholes.

Scholes is set to miss the match against Villarreal at Old Trafford next month after being sent off in Friday's 2-1 Uefa Super Cup defeat to Zenit St Petersburg.

The former England international midfielder will serve a one-match ban after picking up a second yellow card for deliberate handball.

Contention

Carrick is expected to continue his recovery from an ankle injury over the international break and put himself in contention for the fixture with the Spanish side.

"Although we will miss Scholes for the first Champions League game, Michael Carrick will hopefully be fit by that time," said Ferguson.

Carrick's return will be welcome relief for Ferguson who is without injured midfielders Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo.