Wayne Rooney is 31. Michael Carrick is 35.
But while the majority of Manchester United supporters feel that the former has done all that he can for the club and that Rooney’s best years are behind him, no such accusations have been made of Carrick.
Carrick has been one of United’s most reliable players for some years now and his experience, coupled with his ability to effortlessly control a game from the centre of the park, has been one of few shining lights in a relatively dim season for the Red Devils.
The veteran midfielder seldom misplaces a pass and so often provides the requisite defensive cover when United find themselves at risk of an opposition counter-attack.
He may never have possessed the speed, power or athleticism of a Paul Pogba, one of his regular midfield partners, but the ease with which he reads the game is a trait that is simply invaluable for manager Jose Mourinho.
One particular recent highlight of Carrick’s time as United’s chief string-puller came in their draw with Anderlecht in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Pulling the strings… https://t.co/umWH9GEEuI
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) April 14, 2017
63 passes against United’s Belgian opponents left United supporters in no doubt about whether he should be offered a new contract at Old Trafford.
Parting ways with such an impactful figure could have dire implications for Mourinho’s second season in charge and almost everyone is of the opinion that the former Spurs man should still have a place in his manager’s plans because, while he can’t start every game, he has proven time and time again that he can be depended upon on the big occasions and under the bright lights.
A player of Carrick’s quality and longevity should have earned twice as many caps… https://t.co/c76KqXWJtt
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 26, 2017
But one pundit who believes that United should part ways with their midfield maestro is outspoken analyst, Chris Sutton, who was on Irish TV station eir Sport on Thursday night for Manchester United’s semi-final clash with Celta Vigo.
Sutton revealed his unpopular position ahead of kick-off and it goes without saying that he’s in the minority here.
“I wouldn’t (keep Carrick for another season). He’s played enough,” Sutton said.
“There’s no room for sentiment. I think that United should move on now.”
"There's no room for sentiment" – Chris Sutton says #MUFC need to 'move on' from Michael Carrick. Kenny, though, would keep him #ManUtdCelta pic.twitter.com/xXta7IT3bs
— eir Sport (@eirSport) May 11, 2017
One look at the responses to United’s starting XI on Thursday, when it was revealed that Carrick was not starting at Old Trafford, will tell you everything you need to know about how supporters feel about him.
Immediately seeing that Carrick is missed in that midfield. #Fellaini chasing shadows. #MUFC @ManUtd #MUNCEL
— Mike (@Michaelk696) May 11, 2017
@ManUtd But Carrick? ?
— kylepyke (@KylePyke17) May 11, 2017
@ManUtd Most important game of our history and starts Fellani over carrick pic.twitter.com/puTLJqe2e2
— TIJWAN HD (@Y2jDannyboy) May 11, 2017
Carrick needed big time ?
— Mike Rousell (@mikecrousell) May 11, 2017
Biggest match for the boys, Carrick’s experience would be useful on the field than the bench tonight #MUFC
— ♡mστς¡♥ (@La_fiesta410) May 11, 2017
We are fucked up. Carrick needed asap to control the game.
— Mustafa (@TurnLikeMartial) May 11, 2017
Imagine leaving Carrick out of the biggest games & saving Lingard for them ?
— Basel Arti (@Aritonian) May 11, 2017
Biggest game of our season, a semi-final of a European competition and we leave out Carrick who calms everything down. Better wake up.
— Michael (@MikeMUFC_) May 11, 2017
Why are Carrick and Mata not starting??? We need players that can keep the ball
— Sharif (@BigGameDame_) May 11, 2017
A team without carrick is always shakey, never control the game without him!
— Ben Bailey (@_BenBailey) May 11, 2017
This game is made for Michael Carrick. He should be starting.
— Liam Cawley (@LiamCawley) May 11, 2017
Why isint Carrick on that pitch? ?
— Adam Sutton (@21Sutton) May 11, 2017
