Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed that midfielder Michael Carrick will not play again this season as his calf problem is worse than first feared.

The England international's absence has been felt as the team have suffered three defeats in a row since Carrick picked up the injury during his side's 4-2 win over Manchester City.

Van Gaal told MUTV: "Carrick is not available, it was more heavy than we thought. We tried everything but now we have to think about next season. He shall not play anymore this season, it's better now to focus for him on next season and being fit to start.

"When you see the stats, it's clear that he's very important but that's also because we have only right-sided holding midfielder. That's what I am saying already in the whole of the season, that our selection is not balanced, and I want to restore that in the next transfer period. The life is not ending at 34, but for a professional football player, it's close by. That's why I have to handle again in that position."

United are trying to hold on to their Champions League spot as they currently reside fourth in the table, four points above Liverpool with three games left to play.

This Saturday, United will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.