Quiet man leading United front.

 

There are many facets to the current World champions. The propensity for graft as well as grandeur has seen Sir Alex Ferguson’s side climb to the summit of world football in the space of twelve months, at the heart of this extraordinary rise is a quiet, underrated Geordie, The practical yin to the explosive yang, Michael Carrick exudes calm authority on the pitch even if his detractors pummel him with the tiresome “doesn’t take the game by the scruff of the neck” jibe. Like any important footballer Carrick’s absence is keenly felt, even by a squad with the depth of United’s. His untimely injury on the stroke of half-time at Anfield ultimately swung the game the way of the Merseysider’s as Mascherano and Alonso et al exploited the lack of stability at the heart of the midfield and overran the champions. That is the essential exponent of Carrick’s abilities; stability, both with possession and without. It is not a glamorous gig but for the world champions it is a critical one.

Ferguson’s selection policy in the middle this season has been one with a horses for courses mentality, The wretched injury problems suffered by Owen Hargreaves has deprived Ferguson of his services for the season and it would be safe to assume that had Hargreaves been fit then he would have featured in the majority of fixtures. The promising early season form of Darren Fletcher has faded somewhat while the inconsistencies of youth have affected Anderson. Injuries have taken their toll on Paul Scholes who is just beginning to find his feet again. The wonderful bursts from Ryan Giggs must be managed to save his legs. Carrick has been the only constant since returning from his own absence. His form rarely fluctuates and with him in the side the champions operate quicker and more importantly smoother.

An example of this came in the Carling cup semi final against Derby. With Carrick kept in reserve until the last fifteen minutes Roy Carroll remained untested. Carrick arrived and promptly began to dictate affairs. The precise nature of his passing game invariably creates space for United’s forwards to exploit. Instead of bypassing the middle as they had been doing Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans began rolling the ball to Carrick’s instep and letting a move develop. This United side rely on accurate, quick delivers to feet in and around the penalty area, Carrick offers that in spades. They lost the game but one wonder’s if the surrender would have been quite so meek had he started. He is a constant source of safe or penetrative possession and this balance in the engine room is crucial. The fact that his shorts don’t get dirty is the main reason some of the masses will berate him but even the old number sixteen wasn’t all blood and thunder. This one certainly isn’t, just cool and composed.