Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is reportedly planning to call on Michael Carrick to help ease his defensive woes.
The 33-year-old is believed to be closing in on a return to action after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season.
Currently, United have defenders Jonny Evans and Phil Jones out injured, while Tyler Blackett is suspended after getting sent off in last Sunday's 5-3 defeat to Leicester City.
According to The Express, Van Gaal has held talks with Carrick about playing in a defensive role, despite the player himself preferring to remain in midfield.
Carrick slotted into the centre-back role on occasion for the Red Devils under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.