Manchester United’s interim manager Michael Carrick has backed the club’s defensive options despite availability crisis. The Red Devils are in touching distance to qualify for the Champions League next season as they are in third place in the Premier League standings with 58 points in 33 games.

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven has been reportedly linked with Manchester United. Ayden Heaven was the only recognised central defender for last Saturday’s 1-0 win against Chelsea. United’s veteran defender Harry Maguire is all set to return against Brentford on Monday after serving his ban and Leny Yoro can also make a comeback.

Furthermore, Lisandro Martínez remains suspended following his contentious red card against Leeds whereas Matthijs de Ligt has been troubled with a nagging back issue since November.

“It’s not an area of concern for me at this moment in time,” Carrick said of United’s centre-backs.

“At the moment and timing-wise talking about the summer and what goes beyond that, I think it’s difficult to elaborate on that really.

“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 I’d say more than talented [players] really.

“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.

“In terms of Matta [De Ligt], he’s working towards being fit again. He’s a little bit on the grass and it’s 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.”

United will host Brentford on Monday at Old Trafford.