Michael Carrick Talks About His United Future

The future of Michael Carrick continues to be under a cloud of doubt with Manchester United yet to renew the contract of the midfielder. Carrick’s contract runs out in the summer and he signed his last contract in the summer when Jose Mourinho was announced as the new manager. Even though Carrick was initially expected to play the role of a bit-part player, he has become highly influential in reviving Manchester United’s form in the second half of the season. With his contract coming to an end in the summer, there have been rumours that Manchester United may offer a substantially reduced wage packet to the 35-year-old.

Carrick is currently on wages of around £ 130,000 per week, but he is set to be offered only wages of around £ 70,000 per week. Even at 35 years of age, Carrick has impressed with his fitness levels so much so that there have been enquiries from other Premier League clubs should the midfielder decide to leave United in the summer. However, Carrick has confirmed for the first time that he does not intend to play for any other Premier League club after more than a decade at Manchester United. He also said that talk with Manchester United boss will happen real soon. He said:

“I haven’t had much of a conversation with him. Obviously, that will happen at some stage, pretty soon I’d have thought. That’s something I’m really relaxed about.

“I don’t think there’s many places I’d want to play, if any, after this anyway. I’ve had such a time here that I don’t think I would go elsewhere.”

The admission of retirement being a high possibility may shock United. Chief Executive Ed Woodward has been highly confident in recent weeks about agreeing a deal with Carrick, but it looks like the former England international will only settle for the best. Such a high profile player will receive several offers abroad – especially from the likes of the North America and China, but it seems that Carrick is not intent on playing at a much lower level. A number of former United players like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have decided to go down the same route.

Carrick has enjoyed an extraordinary spell at Manchester United. Apart from picking up the role of Paul Scholes, the former Tottenham midfielder has managed to win several trophies. He has won the Champions League once, Premier League five times, FA Cup once and the League Cup thrice in his stellar career. A player of such immense experience has always been preferred by Mourinho, and it is highly likely that the Portuguese manager will want the 35-year-old to stay for one more campaign. Carrick has made close to 450 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions.

Back when Sir Alex Ferguson paid around £ 18 million for the midfielder in 2006, many pundits criticised the move as they felt United had overpaid for Carrick. After an incredible 11 years, United are now trying to persuade Carrick for an additional season.