Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned Michael Carrick that he faces a battle to earn a starting spot next season.
The Red Devils have strengthened their midfield options this summer by bringing in Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger in a high-profile double swoop.
Carrick has acknowledged that competition for a central midfield berth will be fierce, which is likely to be the case throughout the side as Van Gaal looks to improve on last season's trophyless campaign.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Seattle, the Dutchman said: "In top sport, no position is ever secure in top sport. Even my position is not secure.
"The players have to fight. Michael Carrick knows it because I told him at the end of the season. Morgan Schneiderlin has to fight with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Carrick and Daley Blind.
"These are the players who can play in the centre of midfield. Matteo Darmian has to fight with Antonio Valencia. He knows that but Valencia knows that also."
United get their 2015-16 Premier League campaign underway with a home match against Tottenham Hotspur on August 8.
Daniel Lewis
