As Michael tries to re-discover his 06-09 form, Sir Alex may have found the perfect partner to accompany Carrick in Anderson. In Scholes’ absence due to injury, Anderson has been getting an extended run in his favoured central midfield position, a rare opportunity for the young Brazilian. With Anderson’s energetic approach and forward running ability, he seems the ideal partner for the slightly lazy approach taken by Carrick. In recent weeks this partnership has been central to United’s current good run of form and long may it continue.
At 29 years old Carrick realistically would hope to be a first team regular this year as Scholes has been blighted with injury. Carrick has of course quite a few honours to his name, as would be expected of any Manchester United player. Carrick boasts a repertoire of 3 premier leagues, a carling cup and a Champions league, nothing to be sneezed at no matter what the team you play for. Carrick isn’t a well known goal-scoring machine with just 12 goals from 130 league games but his numerous assists and defence splitting passes more than make up for his lack of goals.
Michael Carrick has got a lot of bad press, especially from the Manchester United fans, which seems unjust at times. When United do badly, all eyes stare at Carrick. In the unique role Carrick takes he is ought to be subject to critics. With what seems a lazy player, quietly placing himself in the middle of the field but he still has the ability to unlock the opposition in the blink of an eye. Michael Carrick has the ability to pick a pass, cause frustration and definitely split an opin