Sir Alex Ferguson has called Michael Carrick “the best English player in the game”, bringing up more thoughts as to whether or not he should continue to be given a chance in the back four of United and a shot with England. Certainly, for Manchester United, who have had such problems at the back this season, both in terms of injuries and performance, he must continue to be given a chance. After the defeat of Southampton, on 8 December, Van Gaal has opted to play Carrick in the center of defense, whereas previously he had opted for a combination of Marcos Rojo, the youngsters McNair and Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Frankly though, that game against Southampton, although the result was good, saw one of the worst Manchester United performances in years. They were very fortunate to escape with all three points. In the past two games since, with Carrick at the back, United have looked much more solid, beating Liverpool 3-0, even though they were under great pressure at times, and drawing 1-1 away to Aston Villa. This has been a very up and down season for United’s defense. Shocking performances against Swansea, Leicester and West Brom earlier this season sparked concern. Injury has allowed for Carrick to step in at the back and the defense has not looked more assured of themselves this season. So, while things are going well at the moment, with Carrick at the back, I see no reason to pull him quite yet, even though some will always see him as a midfielder. However, Adrian Durham has even gone so far as calling him the best center half in England and at the club thus far.
Durham say’s, “While Louis van Gaal has every reason to curse his luck with injuries this season, he has been blessed with good fortune by the return of Carrick, and the revelation that he is actually one of the best centre halves at the club.”
He also believes that England owe it to him to pick him in the always questionable center pairing at the back.
“He has been criminally overlooked, and in my view England now owe it to Carrick to make him a regular, and in the immediate future, he can easily fill that troublesome second centre half role.
He continues, “Some will only fancy him as one of three centre halves, but he’s so good I don’t see why he can't be one of two.”
England’s frailties at center back have been there for all to see lately, especially with the retirement of John Terry. So, maybe the inclusion of Carrick can spark some consistency as it looks to have done at United thus far.
Source: DSG
