Michael Carrick does not believe centre-back is currently an area of concern for Manchester United, though he remains in the dark about what things will look like next season.

United host Brentford on Monday, knowing a victory would move them 11 points clear of sixth-placed Brighton and all but secure Champions League qualification for 2026-27.

While Carrick is yet to hear whether his spell as interim boss will be extended, there are also question marks over several United defenders.

The club recently tied Harry Maguire down to a new contract, but Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez have missed large portions of the season due to injury.

Martinez – who recently served a three-match ban after being sent off against Everton – has only started 11 Premier League games this term, with De Ligt starting 13.

Leny Yoro has made 19 starts but has also been sidelined in recent weeks, leaving United to start natural full-back Noussair Mazraoui and youngster Ayden Heaven at centre-back in last week's 1-0 win over Chelsea.

But moving forward, Carrick believes there are plenty of positives for the Red Devils in the heart of their backline. 

"It's not an area of concern for me at this moment in time," Carrick said. "At the moment, talking about the summer and what goes beyond that, it's difficult to elaborate on that.

"Licha [Martinez] is actually missing games for a different reason at the minute, which we won't go into, but I understand why you are asking it.

"But, no, I haven't got concerns. I think we've got a mixed blend there of experience, of real quality and some young talented players.

"We have two promising young players (Heaven and Yoro) that have already shown what they can do. I thought Ayden was fantastic last week, in such a difficult game.

"I haven't got concerns as I sit here. Obviously, what the future looks like, I can't really get involved because I'm not sure myself."

De Ligt has missed five months with a lower back issue, having last featured against Crystal Palace on November 30, during the latter stages of Ruben Amorim's reign.

But Carrick is hopeful the Dutchman could be involved before the end of the season, saying: "He's working towards being fit again.

"He's been a little bit on the grass and there is progress, but there is not much else I can say.

"It's one of those injuries and he's rehabbing, he's working to get fit, so we're hoping to have him back as soon as possible."