United travel to the Vitality Stadium on Friday night as they aim to make it eight wins from their last 10 Premier League matches.
Carrick has now won seven of his opening nine Premier League games in his second stint in interim charge of the Red Devils and another win would cement the club’s place inside the Champions League spots.
Team news
The former midfielder first spoke on a range of players, including Lisandro Martinez: “Yeah he’s closer (than Matthijs de Ligt, who is out with a back injury), a lot closer. He’s getting there. After this one he’ll be alright."
Patrick Dorgu: “He’s a bit further on down the line."
Mason Mount: “Starting will be too much for him at this point, I think with the exposure that he has had in training. It’s brilliant to have him back, he’s a fantastic player and great to have around the group.
"With the break coming up it gives him the chance to get even more up to speed, so in some ways, that has come at a good time for him."
Noussair Mazraoui: “He’s just ill. He’s not feeling too good.”
Fernandes is on fire
Moving on from team news, Carrick opened up on Bruno Fernandes, who snatched two assists against Aston Villa at the weekend.
The Portuguese star has a goal contribution in seven of his nine appearances under Carrick, and he was asked whether he deserves to be nominated for the PFA award.
“I think he has had a fantastic season. I’m delighted that he is playing the way he is and having an impact for us.
“Having him right up there in these conversations, I’d love to see him take the award. It says a lot about what is going on in the club and how the team is playing, but we will have to see how that plans out, but I’m really pleased with him.”
Mainoo can still improve
Continuing on the theme of midfielders, Carrick finally spoke on Kobbie Mainoo who has worked his way back into the side since the departure of Ruben Amorim. Carrick says he has been impressed, but there is still room to improve.
"You can always improve on a lot of things, just the age he’s at, there is so much more to come and develop, that’s the stage he’s at in his career.
"He’s got a lot of letters to improve. He’s doing really well, not having a lot of football to come in and play a run of games. He found his rhythm quickly and his natural flow.
"He was really good again at the weekend, putting in a performance where he did a little bit of everything. Really impressive."