Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick rules himself out of upcoming England internationals

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has ruled himself out of England's upcoming internationals against Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.

Carrick, 33, suffered a calf problem in April and has not played since the 4-2 win over Manchester City but had been expected to return before the end of the season.

Manager Louis van Gaal recently revealed the injury was more severe than first anticipated, with the club deciding not to rush him back to action to ensure he is fully fit for the start of the 2015-16 campaign.

And speaking at United's end-of-season awards at Old Trafford on 19 May, the midfielder confirmed he will not be available for selection when Roy Hodgson names his Three Lions squad on 21 May but hopes to have shaken his persistent knocks by the start of the new season.

"I thought I might have got involved [with England]," Carrick said. "But it doesn't look like that is going to be the case now, because I have been out for seven weeks now, so it would be too much to come back for that.

"I think getting back to pre-season [is the priority] and then hopefully have a good season next year. It has been frustrating, with a few niggles this year, but hopefully that is behind me now. I just want to get fit in pre-season and hopefully have a good season next year."

On a night where Van Gaal stole the show with his closing speech, United goalkeeper David de Gea scooped the player of the year and players' player of the year awards for the second consecutive year.

Andreas Pereira, who is away with the Brazil Under-20 squad ahead of the Under-20 World Cup, which starts at the end of May, was named Under-21 player of the season, while Axel Tuanzebe was named the club's Under-18 player of the season.