He may be 33 and coming into the autumn years of his career.
But anyone who saw Michael Carrick’s performance against Barcelona in America on Saturday will know that this lad is still one of the most important players for Manchester United.
While other players freaked out at the speed and pressure applied by the Barcelona team, Carrick remained calm while all around him lost their heads.
But all power to Steve McClaren for having a go. At least his head is in the right place in terms of signings that can genuinely improve the first XI.
Because The Sunday People reports:
Manchester United have knocked back moves by Inter Milan and Newcastle to land midfield king-pin Michael Carrick
With Manchester United buying Morgan Schniederlin and Bastian Schwiensteiger this summer Newcastle obviously thought that they might have a chance of snaring Carrick.
And his affiliations to the north east of England – he was born in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear – may yet see him move back at some stage in the latter parts of his career.
But he has just had his best season for Manchester United and, if his performance against Barca is anything to go by, the Manchester giant will be holding on to him for some time yet.
Because this boy is pure class.
Let’s see him in action. Newcastle fans: would you want him in the starting XI?
