The midfielder, who has played just once this campaign in a Carabao Cup tie against Burton, was offered a place on Mourinho's coaching staff in November.

The 36-year-old was diagnosed with an irregular heart rhythm following tests last year but has had a procedure to correct the issue and is now back in training and has not given up on a return to the United side.

When asked if Carrick was planning on taking up the offer a coaching role, Mourinho said: "When he wants [it], yes."

But the United boss is expecting Carrick to feature on the field before joining him in the dugout.

"[He's had] a few months without even training so now he is in his second week of training with the team," Mourinho added.

"[He's a] very important player for us. I think the decision - to be [made] at the end of the season and not last week - is a good decision for the team and a good decision for him to finish playing football and not injured or with some problem.

"So we are all happy and in the end of the season I expect him to join, unless he changes his mind, but the club would be very happy for him to do that. I would be very happy also for him to do that."

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