Manchester United midfielder not seeking winter exit

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is content with his stay at Old Trafford despite speculation linking him with a move elsewhere.

The former England international has recently been associated with the likes of Aston Villa, Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion amid his reduced playing time under Jose Mourinho this season.

Carrick is presently behind the likes of Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera in the pecking order for a central midfield spot, but he is nevertheless prepared to stay put, ESPN claims.

The 36-year-old earned a fresh one-year extension with United in May, and he has since featured in just one competitive game against Burton Albion in the League Cup.

A mystery illness has kept him out of first-team action for the past six weeks, but he has offered United timely injury boost ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash versus Chelsea.

Pogba and Fellaini are still on the sidelines recuperating from hamstring and knee injuries respectively, and this will presumably offer Carrick a bench role at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.