Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has signed a new contract until June 2018. The veteran midfielder whose contract was going to expire at the season end has extended his stay for another year.
The English midfielder has been with the club since 2006 when he was brought from Tottenham Hotspur. He went on to be a decisive part of the United midfield and played a role in possibly every trophy that United won in this stipulated period. He completed his trophy circle recently as United defeated Ajax 2-0 in the Europa League final.
Jose Mourinho has always praised the way Carrick has participated this season as the gaffer had to seek his help when he rotated his squad in a bid to keep it fresh throughout the season. The 35-year-old appeared in 38 matches this season as he was a part of the favourable midfield trio alongside Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba.
And Though it seemed like Carrick may have appeared in his last match, proving everyone wrong, the player extended his stay with the club. “What a fantastic way to finish off the season, with a new trophy in our cabinet. I am delighted that my journey with this great club is going to continue.
“My focus now is looking ahead to my testimonial match next Sunday; it will be a very proud moment for me and my family, and is the perfect way to top what has already been a great season. I am thrilled that the fans will also get to see our shiny new Europa League trophy on the day,” he said, after putting pen to paper on a new deal.
Mourinho wants a complete overhaul of the team as the Red Devils will be challenging for the Champions League next season. Carrick has always been an underrated midfielder and never got the recognition he should have got. Perhaps, the rise of his other England fellow midfielders from his time could be the reason why he has not been appreciated much by the media.
Carrick’s importance in this United midfield has been huge. At this age, when a player’s form starts to fall, Carrick seems to be in a jovial mood as his late flurry of form proved to be very vital for the Red Devils. His passing accuracy has been a plus point for him as he has generated a whopping 971 successful passes this season. His calmness and presence in the midfield have been the difference between United and the other teams.
Carrick’s presence in a deeper role brought the best out of Pogba as we have seen the French player doing his thing in the middle of the pitch. Also, Herrera who was the player of the season, could not have done it, had the 35-year-old not been playing alongside him. Carrick might not be able to replicate the same amount of efficiency in the next season but he still has the capability to upturn United’s fortunes.
