The season started with a bang for Manchester United, as they breezed past their first three opponents in the league, but as soon as their noisy neighbours paid them a visit, their form saw a big slump and the Red Devils- who were a major title challengers at the start of the season – failed to live up the bill. Up until the Manchester Derby, everything was going perfectly for Mourinho, but the defeat saw the players lose their moral and they never recovered properly after the defeat against a lowly Watford side.

The major development during the opening games was in the midfield, as the manager used Fellaini and Herrera in the centre and the duo was working really great. But it was always a clear indication that Fellaini was never meant to be a Manchester United man and his eventual dip in form saw United losing the midfield battle. Midfield is the spot, where almost every game is won and it was the sector Manchester United were losing the shape and the dip in form of the Belgian let Paul Pogba to get down deep and this idea was surely not the enough to get the best out of him.

On came Carrick and the fate began to change. United legend Paul Scholes constantly opposed Jose Mourinho’s decision to use Fellaini and he clearly advised to use the 35-year-old veteran. Carrick made his first start of the season in the EFL tie against Northampton Town and ended his night with his name on the scoresheet and this indicated how important the 35-year-old could be to the team.

As mentioned before, Fellaini was never getting better, but he was a trusted knight for Mourinho against Liverpool, Chelsea and Burnley, and the result? One heavy defeat and two boring draws. With nothing working for the Portuguese manager, he finally decided to go with the veteran and what he saw of him made him appreciate the former Tottenham midfielder. The side went on to humiliate the Swans and played an energetic 1-1 draw against Arsenal and Carrick was always at the heart of the team.

His presence in front of the team’s ‘soft’ defence has been so tough to break so far. Take Arsenal’s game for instance, the Gunners are known for their quick through passing and they tried exactly the same, but Carrick never allowed any player to get into a proper goal scoring position. He made numerous interceptions and was overall a perfect defensive midfielder for the side. Not just that, his presence let Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera get into more attacking areas and this indeed was the source of United’s goal.

It is not just Scholes, former Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves said the same about the midfielder and Legend Peter Schmeichel was also spot on to praise the veteran. The latest admirer of Carrick’s brilliance has been the former Chelsea, Manchester United and QPR legend Ray Wilkins.

“I think the inclusion of Michael Carrick has to be a permanent for Jose because it allows Herrera – who is finally becoming a Manchester United player in the middle of the field – and Pogba to go and do their work in advanced areas.

“Carrick just gives them that little bit of serenity in the middle of the field when they need to control a game. His passing is fantastic.”

Even at this age, Carrick is showing no sign of losing it and still has a lot to offer for the team. Of course, he cannot play every game, but he can be used in the crunch fixtures like the game against Arsenal.

What Carrick brings to the Mourinho’s squad cannot be matched – and certainly will never be. And yes, “It’s hard to believe it’s not Scholes,it’s Carrick you know.” – Fan chant