Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that midfielder Michael Carick has sustained a serious injury in training which will keep him out for a "long time".

Later confirmed as an ankle injury, Van Gaal says the England international suffered the blow during the first two days of training and faces 10 weeks out of action.

"Michael Carrick was injured the day before and that's a blow for me because he's experienced," he added. "It's very important we have experienced players."

The injury could force Van Gaal to delving into the transfer market again this summer, having already signed Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw, but the Dutch coach will delay any further additions until after pre-season training.

"My method is always the same I want to look at the players now," he said. "Of course I know the players but I do not know the players who I have trained and coached.

"I will wait and see after the first three of four weeks and maybe I shall buy other players and the players that we have brought were already on the list. I have my approval because I like them. First I want to see the players play my philosophy."

Van Gaal has already compiled his backroom team at United, appointing Ryan Giggs as assistant manager while Albert Stuivenberg, Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout will operate as coaches.

The roles of Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville at United has been uncertain since the appointment of Van Gaal, with the trio having all worked under former manager David Moyes then with Giggs during his interim spell in charge, but the 62 year says roles will be found for each of the members of the Class of '92.

"Nicky Butt is already assisting us," he said. "Paul Scholes we will find a role for and also Phil Neville. That's what we want but it also has to be possible. It is not an easy job we have to speak about that personally and that is why we have to wait and see."

Another of the decisions facing Van Gaal is who will captain United this season following the departure of Nemanja Vidic, but despite speculation that Robin van Persie will take the armband having led Netherlands during the World Cup, a judgement is still to be made.

"All the players are a possible candidate and I have to know them," Van Gaal explained. "For me the captains role is very important and therefore I need time and sometimes I do not have the time. I have to made quick decisions but they are not always god. The captain of a team for me is very important."

Louis van Gaal Manchester United FC