Manchester United’s veteran Michael Carrick’s performance against Arsenal over the weekend and his impressive performances this season will earn him a contract extension at Old Trafford.
The English midfielder has played very few games under Jose Mourinho but the Manchester United manager has praised the midfielder a number of times and hinted at a new one-year deal for him.
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According to a report in The Sun, Mourinho was impressed with his performances and only lamented that he did not get the chance to work with the Englishman when he was a 25-years-old.
The Portuguese mastermind said, “It is very sad to know that time flies for every one of us.
“He is such a fantastic player and it is a pity, I always loved him, but instead of being his manager when he was 25 I am his manager when he is 35. We have a good understanding. We know when he can play. We know when he is ready and when he needs a rest.
“I am still having Michael Carrick and probably for one more season,” said Mourinho.
Carrick’s calmness and composure in front of the defence line allowed world record signing Paul Pogba to flourish in a free role over Arsenal and also against Swansea City. The 35-year-old was brilliant for the Red Devils on Saturday, intercepting through balls, sniffing out the danger early and starting attacks as well.
Pogba, who had to take on defensive responsibilities in the previous matches, was relieved of the pressure and along with Ander Herrera proved to be a driving force when going into attack. Some might even say that this was the Frenchman’s best performance since returning to England.
Also read: Analysis: The ideal insurance provider - Why Michael Carrick must start against Arsenal
Seemingly, it has taken until November for Mourinho to understand the importance of starting Carrick instead of Marouane Fellaini or Herrera in a deep-lying position.
The new United boss sanctioned Carrick’s stay at the club when he replaced Louis Van Gaal. Nonetheless, the midfielder had started only four games (none of them were league fixtures) in the first three months of the season – and the 20-time English champions emerged victorious in all of them.
(Video Courtesy: JSMHEProduction YouTube Channel)
The Swansea match in game week 11 was Carrick’s first league start and veteran midfielder impressed with his performance and United came away with all three points. Given his performances, it does not come as a surprise that he is all set to be offered a contract extension at the club.
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