He may not have had quite the impact of a Paul Scholes or a Roy Keane. But Manchester United’s stalwart and veteran midfielder Michael Carrick is proving almost as difficult to replace as his illustrious predecessors.
And after playing an important role in Jose Mourinho’s side again this season Manchester United are said to be in talks about extending a contract which expires this summer.
British media outlet, The Daily Mail, asserts:
Michael Carrick is in line for a new 12-month extension after convincing Jose Mourinho that he has a Manchester United future.
…talks over a new deal are underway with both parties hopeful of a positive conclusion.
To the chagrin of many a more studied Manchester United fan Carrick started the season on the bench as Jose Mourinho opted for the likes of Marouane Fellaini. But the cream usually rises to the top and Mourinho soon agreed with the masses that the Belgian was in fact a dud.
Carrick has slowly forced his way back into contention this season and has now played 25 times for the first team and in many important games.
He’s still the best passer of the ball in the side and how Jose must wish he was five years younger.
In total Carrick has played 446 games for United and scored 24 goals over 11 seasons in a period which has been the most successful in the history of the Old Trafford outfit.
The Manchester United faithful certainly don’t need convincing of the continued capacity of the midfielder to operate at the top level.
Carrick has never suffered serious injury and still looks athletic and sharp. And that passing ability certainly hasn’t been blunted. If anything he has become more adventurous with his distribution over the last year.