Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that the absence of England midfielder Michael Carrick has been a significant factor in his side's recent Premier League slump
Carrick, 33, suffered a calf injury during the 4-2 win over Manchester City on April 12 and has missed the last three matches, all of which United have lost.
United have fallen to Chelsea, Everton and West Bromwich Albion, surprise 1-0 victors at Old Trafford last weekend, having won their previous six matches.
It has undermined their position in the top four and given fifth-place Liverpool encouragement that they could yet catch their rivals in the race for Champions League qualification.
When fit, Carrick has been deployed of late as a holding midfielder in an effective 4-3-3 formation.
Daley Blind is United's only other player suited to that position. But the Netherlands international has been required to fill in at left-back recently due to the absence of the injured Luke Shaw.
Carrick is not expected to recover in time to face Crystal Palace on Saturday but Van Gaal is hopeful he will be available for the final two matches of the campaign, against Arsenal and Hull City.
"When Blind and Carrick have been injured, we have a big problem," Van Gaal said.
"Carrick is a player who can read the game and that is what I am looking for; players who can read the game. Not only individually, but also for the team, because the team is more important.
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