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Michael Carrick was handed club captaincy this season following the departure of Wayne Rooney to Everton but the Wallsend-born midfielder has been forced to settle for a place on the bench in both the European Super Cup Final and during his side’s thumping 4-0 win over West Ham on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. However, the 36-year-old is confident he can still offer plenty to Manchester United over the course of the campaign.
Carrick has been a terrific servant to the club and is considered a wonderful and steady influence both on and off the pitch. The Geordie admitted that Manchester United have a ‘great side this season’ and urged his fellow squad players to remain patient as they await their chance to break into the starting eleven.
The likes of Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera and Matteo Darmian all started on the bench alongside Carrick in United’s resounding 4-0 success against West Ham but opportunities are almost certainly likely to arise throughout a campaign which will see the club juggle Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup commitments. The club also have left-back Luke Shaw and the versatile Marcos Rojo to return from injury before the first International break and Jose Mourinho’s side look extremely well-equipped for a long and potentially successful season ahead.
Carrick and fellow midfielder Marouane Fellaini were both left out of the starting eleven at Old Trafford following the arrival of Nemanja Matic from champions Chelsea at the start of the month. The Serbian was superb on his debut and was praised by team-mate Paul Pogba who admitted Matic’s presence allows him to venture further forward and offer an increased threat.
Squad rotation will be key for Jose Mourinho as he aims to keep his squad fresh for a potentially hectic couple of months which will see Manchester United’s return to the UEFA Champions League group stages beginning on September 12th. The new club captain is looking forward to leading his side out at Old Trafford later this season but admits he is simply biding his time until he gets the nod from Mourinho. The Portuguese coach gave Antonio Valencia the armband against West Ham but will surely call upon Carrick’s knowledge, experience and calm head at various points throughout the campaign.
Manchester United drew far too many games last season which saw them drop away from any potential title challenge; however, the additions of Victor Lindelof, the aforementioned Nemanja Matic and potent striker Romelu Lukaku will surely see them challenge for top honours this time around.
Lukaku got off to the best possible start opening his Premier League account in a Manchester United shirt with a brace. The powerful Belgian’s successful debut has resulted in him becoming favourite in the Premier League Top Goalscorer market climbing above Tottenham’s Harry Kane to lead the betting at around 5/2. If you’re thinking of backing the former Everton man for success this season, check out the range of free bets and welcome bonuses available such as a £30 risk-free bet when signing up for a Unibet account.
Despite seemingly a fringe player, Michael Carrick still managed 38 appearances in all competitions last season including netting against Northampton in the EFL Cup. He didn’t play any part in the clubs Europa League success over Ajax however and his legs will have to be carefully preserved over the course of the season. Despite his advancing years, Carrick still has an unrivalled intelligence, reading of the game and an eye for a killer pass meaning he still has plenty to offer the club over the next ten months.
He’s won 17 trophies during his time at the club, playing over 450 times and his leadership will be crucial to younger members of the squad such as Marcus Rashford and Axel Tuanzebe. His contract was extended this summer by the North West club with the veteran admitting he probably would have retired if he hadn’t been asked to remain at Old Trafford.
With Rooney’s departure from the club, Carrick is the only remaining member of the Champions League winning side from 2008 when the Red Devils beat Chelsea on penalties at the Luzhniki Arena in Moscow. His experience will be vital this season as Jose Mourinho’s side aim to mount a serious title challenge whilst hoping to replicate their 2008 exploits in European competitions and despite not featuring in their opening match, Carrick is certainly not surplus to requirements and his opportunity will surely arrive soon.
