Michael Carrick has been an instrumental part of Manchester United’s midfield for over a decade now, and has won everything with us. However, at 35 years, age has finally caught up with him, as we found out last season. The Englishman did put in a few good performances, but they were too less and far between. It was obvious that he could no longer anchor the midfield as he used to, as too often stronger or faster players caught him out of position or on the ball. The comparisons he used to draw with the great Paul Scholes had completely stopped, and most fans were completely disillusioned with his performances. It was widely speculated that the former Spurs player would leave the club at the end of the season, and that Everton had already approached him for his services. However, media outlets are now reporting that United’s hiearchy have offered him a one year extension on his contract, but the choice is left on the hands of the Englishman as to whether he wants to stay or go.

What if he stays?

I think the board has done the right thing in letting Carrick decide his future for himself and not forcing the issue on a footballer of his stature. If he signs and stays, he will be a great role model for academy stars like Andreas Perreira, while the likes of Ander Herrera and Morgan Schneiderlin can learn a lot from the way he picks his passes and controls the tempo of the game. In case we need him, Carrick  and Bastian can also form a great defensive midfield, something that can be employed against teams that don’t press high and pass fluently. In cup games against lower league sides, this will be a great boon for Mourinho as they can he can rest his first choice midfielders for bigger matches.

Moreover, even if Carrick leaves, he will leave as a proper club legend and will enjoy legendary status among us and the Old Trafford faithfuls for a lifetime.