Michael Carrick is in talks to extend his contract by one more year, according to Manchester Evening News. Carrick’s contract expires in the summer and it was widely believed that the club legend would announce his retirement. However, reports have now emerged that Carrick ‘s representatives are due to meet Ed Woodward after the EFL cup final and discuss the possibility of extending his contract.

The Englishman has made 19 appearances this season under Jose Mourinho, but he hasn’t been used in the last two games and has been ruled out for the Europa League clash against St-Etienne.

Carrick signed a one-year extension last summer. It has also been told that Mourinho could be looking to bring in central midfielders to the club, after the sale of Schneiderlin. With Carrick and Schweinsteiger in their 30s, it is possible that Jose could be planning some transfers in his mind.

Michael Carrick has been a long-term servant for the club and he deserves to go out on a high if he ever decides to go. He has made a remarkable 681 career appearances which include stints at West Ham, Swindon Town, Birmingham City, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. A majority of his career appearances have been for United, with a total of 439 for the club. He has scored 24 times for Manchester United and 34 times in his entire career.

Michael Carrick is known for his ability to control the game and is one of the most under-rated players of modern football. His vision and passing ability is second to none and is a midfield general. On his day, he can single-handedly split open opposition defence with his passes. Such is Carrick’s precision while passing the ball. He is almost technically perfect and will be difficult to replace when he is gone.

It will be the end of an era when Carrick leaves the club and it is also important that Carrick signs an extension and gives United some important planning space before they can fill the void left by Schweinsteiger and him.

United have been linked with Milan Badelj of Fiorentina. The 27-year old Croatian has been tipped to be Carrick’s replacement at Old Trafford and it has been claimed that Jose Mourinho received glowing scouting reports about the player.

Badelj’s agent, Dejan Joksimovic  told Daily Express (h/t Metro)that,

“The Premier League is always attractive, for all the players in the world. If he leaves Fiorentina all the options are available.”

His words suggest that there has been some interest from England, but it would be too early to draw conclusions.

For now, United would benefit from Carrick’s stay at Old Trafford.