Carrick set for United return against Valencia

Michael Carrick could make his first-team return for Manchester United in their Champions League group stage clash with Valencia on Wednesday.

The midfielder has not started a game for United since the Community Shield and, although he did join up with the England squad for their opening Euro 2012 qualifiers, he was then sent for an injection to try to ease the discomfort from a niggling Achilles problem.

Sir Alex Ferguson reported on Friday that Carrick had returned to training and the former Tottenham star was on the flight to Spain this morning that departed without the injured Wayne Rooney.