According to reports from The Times, Michael Carrick is close to agreeing a one-year contract extension with Manchester United.
What’s the word?
Carrick’s found himself in the same situation ahead of the last few summers, namely one of his future seeming uncertain only for Manchester United to put the offer of a new contract on the table. Indeed, due to turn 36 in July, clubs can only really afford to offer the former 34-cap England international short-term deals, but he’s still a very important player at Old Trafford and has started nearly half of their games across all competitions this season.
Once again, Carrick’s contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign. But according to The Times, he’s close to agreeing a new one-year deal after holding talks with Ed Woodward and Jose Mourinho believes the playmaking midfielder still has what it takes to perform at top level.
Why isn’t age catching up with Carrick?
Of course, every player enjoys a physical peak, but athleticism has never been a massive part of Carrick’s game. He’s always been a deep-lying midfielder who sits back and orchestrates play from just in front of the defence, something far more dependent on his technical talent and ability to read the game – which have become Carrick’s defining attributes over the years.
The real issue, however, is how many games Carrick can play in one season, which in turn affects how much he can be relied upon by Jose Mourinho, the potential need for a signing to share the burden with him and whether he’ll be used in important games or as a rotation option against lesser sides. He’s started nearly half of United’s 63 games this season, but that number could well reduce next term.