Since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager of Manchester United, the club has picked up more points (22) than any other team in the league, even more than runaway leaders Arsenal. 

Whilst not introducing any revolutionary tactics or approaches, Carrick has been doing everything Ruben Amorim was not. Four at the back, Kobbie Mainoo starting games, Bruno Fernandes further forward, and so on. 

The run of form has come despite having some key absentees, particularly in defence. Ever since the 44-year-old took over, Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined by injury. This got worse when Lisandro Martinez picked up an injury before the win away to Everton in February. 

Well, as the old saying goes: when it rains, it pours. Indeed, according to Danyal Khan, right-back Noussair Mazraoui - along with de Ligt and Martinez - is not training with the squad. 

Some fans would argue that it is three players from United's strongest back four. Others would say Harry Maguire is the strongest defender. Either way, there are three important players that Carrick could certainly do without being injured. 

It is very fortunate that the Reds are playing just one game a week at the moment. Furthermore, after the trip to AFC Bournemouth on Friday evening, the team doesn't actually play another game until the 13th April, at home to Leeds United on Monday Night Football, a whole 24 days after the trip to the South Coast. 

So, nearly a month without a game. You have to say that, whilst many do not like the international break, it is coming at a perfect time. You'd like to think, and certainly hope, that all three of the aforementioned players will be ready to go once the Leeds game comes around. 

For those wondering why it is quite that long. The first weekend back after the break is FA Cup weekend, so that is one more week off. Then, as touched on, the game against Leeds is not until Monday night, where it will be shown live on Sky Sports for those in the UK. 

It would be great, in particular, to have an update on de Ligt. The Dutch defender has not been since November, in the 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace, when Amorim was still manager, just to show how long it has now been. Let's hope for a positive update soon. 

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