Manchester United: LVG delighted as Michael Carrick and Phil Jones' injury return coincides with England call up

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is delighted to see Michael Carrick return from a minor injury that saw him miss their clash against Wolfsburg in the Champions League on Wednesday (30 September) night. The midfielder is expected to go straight into the starting lineup for the Red Devils clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (4 October).

Moreover, the Dutchman, who is a big fan of Carrick, is pleased that the former Tottenham midfielder has been selected by England manager Roy Hodgson for the Three Lions' upcoming Euro qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania on 10 and 13 October respectively. The former Bayern Munich manager understands the pride of playing for the national team, after having guided Netherlands to third place in the 2014 World Cup.

Apart from Carrick, Van Gaal is also delighted for Phil Jones, who has also been included in the England squad, despite only recently returning from a mild thrombosis that kept him out from the start of the Premier League season. The duo are expected to play a role against the Gunners on Sunday prior to the international break.

"I am very happy for him and I think he's a quality player, and when Roy Hodgson thinks he needs him, then I am very happy, because he wants to play for the national team and, for example, he has also selected Phil Jones, who needs minutes, so I am happy," Van Gaal said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. "It's always an honour to play for your national team and me, as a former national coach, I am aware of that."

The former Dutch national team manager also believes that the international break between the Premier League season is good for the players, as it gives their minds a chance to relax, due to the change in environment. "I think it's also a very good thing that you are also in other environments, to play, and that's also a sort of relaxation for your mind," the Dutchman added.