Carrick reluctant to accept defensive duty!

Michael Carrick admits he's reluctant to play at centre-half for injury-hit Manchester United.

Such are their injury problems, that Carrick could be forced into defence for Saturday's game with Bolton Wanderers.

"It did get a mention in the changing room," Carrick told MUTV.

"I said to Mike Phelan 'I don't fancy that again'.

"It is never nice to get the injuries of course. It is disappointing when you pick up a number in a similar position.

"But I don't think we are that desperate yet and hopefully I won't be called upon."

Ferguson ready to dump high-profile fringe players

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to clearout his fringe players this summer.

The Daily Mail says several players who have fallen below expectations, like midfielders Darron Gibson and Michael Carrick and defender Jonny Evans, look vulnerable to a shake-up while question marks hover over Gabriel Obertan and Bebe.

The United manager demands fringe players demonstrate their readiness to grasp a first-team place whenever an opportunity presents itself and has been bitterly disappointed by the way several have fallen short this season.

As an added worry, injury-ravaged former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves may have to accept his United career is over when his contract expires in the summer. There also remain doubts about Michael Owen’s ability to stay fit for any length of time.

Carrick remains at Man Utd until 2014..Great News!

Manchester United have swooped to ensure Michael Carrick remains at Old Trafford by securing the 29 year old to a new contract until 2014.

Reds boss Sir Alex is beginning the process of reshaping his squad and was keen to keep the midfielder who joined from Tottenham in 2006.

"I am thoroughly enjoying my time at this great club," said Carrick.

"There is a fantastic team spirit within the squad and I am pleased to have committed my future to United."

Having already collected three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy in his time with the Red Devils, the England international is keen for United to collect more silverware.

"We are in a very good position at the moment and I am confident this team will be successful for many years to come," he said.

"I am delighted Michael has signed a new contract," said Ferguson.

"He has been outstanding since joining us from Tottenham in 2006. He is a true professional and it is great he has committed his future to the club."

Carrick will be allowed to leave Man Utd. Sad sad...

Michael Carrick will be allowed to leave by Manchester United in the summer.

The ex-Spurs star has just 18 months left on his contract and there are no plans to offer him a new one.

Carrick, 29, had an inconsistent first half to this season and only a marked improvement will prompt a change of mind by the management.

Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson increasingly sees Darren Fletcher, 26, and Anderson, 22, as his central midfield partnership for the future.

Micheal Carrick will open talks about staying at Manchester United after the January transfer window.

Brazilian Anderson has already signed a new long-term contract, while the club are trying to persuade Patrice Evra to stay despite interest from Real Madrid. 

Carrick desperate for new contract!

Midfielder Michael Carrick is hoping to stay at Manchester United for the long term, despite not having yet secured a new deal with the club.

Carrick is contracted to the Old Trafford club until the end of next season, but has not had an easy time of things this term, suffering from an Achilles problem.  He recently returned to Sir Alex Ferguson's side though and is desperate to stay at Manchester United for as long as possible.

According to The People, Carrick said, “Nothing has happened regarding talks as yet, but this is the place for me – it’s a great club.

“I’ve had some unbelievable times here and, hopefully, will have many more. I love everything about being a United player.”

Carrick acknowledged his struggle for form at times, but is looking towards Manchester United launching a real title tilt.

He said, “It’s been a struggle, but as a player you have ups and downs.

“We believe if we can hit top form then we have a great chance of winning the league.”

Giggs and EVEN Carrick wants to retire with Man Utd

Ryan Giggs says Manchester United will be his last club.

Giggs has been linked with a move to the USA and MLS.

But he says: "I think I will probably finish my career here.

"I am at an age now where it is coming to an end pretty soon. I cannot see myself dropping down leagues and playing at a lesser level."

Michael Carrick wants to stay at Manchester United for the rest of his career too.

The England star has continually been linked with a move away from the Red Devils in recent months and Aston Villa are said to be the latest club interested in snapping up the 29-year-old.

He said: "I have seen some stories suggesting I'd be leaving last summer but I take no notice. It's part of the game.

"I have never thought I was on my way out of United, not for one minute. It has never entered my mind.

"And neither has the manager said anything to me.

"This is a great place to be and results like the one against Valencia make it all worthwhile when you play a part in something like that.

"I have the rest of this season and next season left on my contract and I would like to stay here for the rest of my career.

"Why would I want to go anywhere else?

"It's up to me this season to work hard to earn the right to do that and to make it a reality.

"So the aim is to be in the team as often as I can."

Xabi Alonso on England World Cup failure.

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso says England would have benefited if Manchester United's Michael Carrick had been selected in Fabio Capello's starting line-up.

Xabi says Carrick would be the ideal foil for Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard.

"Gerrard is a great player. He inspires and leads, he is very capable of making players around him raise their game, but he also needs players alongside to bring the best out of him," Alonso told reporters.

"I’ve missed a player like Michael Carrick in the England midfield, somebody who knows how to be in the right place at the right time.

"Gerrard gains a lot from having a player like Carrick as a partner, somebody who provides the back-up he needs to be free to bring his power to bear decisively in a game.

"I’ve had the good fortune to play alongside Gerrard and to watch him step in and win so many games for us so many times."