Player spotlight: Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick’s season has been seriously hampered by injury and his return to the starting line – up against Spurs on Sunday could not be timelier, with it being Man Utd’s first game of a crucial push for a Champions League spot in the final ten games of the season. 

Carrick on Sunday was superb, a real vintage Michael Carrick performance, cool, calm and collected which included a first goal of the season and an assist.  His display arguably should have earned him Man of the Match.  United set their stall out early in the match and the game was effectively won in the first 20 minutes, with two goals.  Carrick played an integral part in both.  Firstly in the 9^th minute he ran into open space in the Tottenham half and slid a perfectly waited pass through for Marouane Fellaini to finish in the bottom corner.  Ten minutes later, Carrick beautifully directed home a header from twelve yards out to put United in a commanding position early on.  His performance though was not only highlighted by his contributions to the goals, it was also his defensive performance.  As he has done on countless occasions in his United career, his positional sense and awareness was key to his capability of breaking up the opponents attack, which quite often goes unnoticed.

The importance of Michael Carrick to Manchester United is huge.  He has been consistent ever since he arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2006.  He is a leader of this team, the vice – captain to Wayne Rooney and it is no surprise or coincidence that United’s best performance and victory of the season has happened with Carrick back in the starting line – up.  He demands the ball, starts the vast majority of attacks and completes simple passes that stretched the field to conduct the United orchestra.  His defensive capabilities also allow attacking players like Juan Mata and Ander Herrera freedom to express themselves when going forward.  All this was evident and on show against Spurs, particularly in the first half.  As said earlier, Carrick’s presence will be key in the run in for a top four finish.