Should Michael Carrick be offered a new contract?

Manchester United’s midfield has come under heavy fire this season. Given the way results are going, it’s perhaps not all that surprising.

For the last couple of years, United have desperately been seeking a creative midfielder who can add a little inspiration to their build up play.

Players like Michael Carrick, Anderson and Tom Cleverley are all good footballers, but when it comes to delivering that final ball, they often come up short.

Shinji Kagawa was brought in and was then pushed out. At this stage, the best hope for the future seems to be Adnan Januzaj, an 18-year-old wonder kid.

This is to say, Manchester United’s midfield is a bit of a mixed-bag. It certainly doesn’t have the balance that David Moyes needs to deliver success this season. This surely explains the club’s slow start this year.

But we shouldn’t use this current state of play as a stick to beat certain individuals with. Michael Carrick, for instance, hasn’t gone from being the club’s best player last season, to being a hapless clown.

Carrick is currently in the process of agreeing an extension to his current Manchester United contract, which expires at the end of the year.

Given United’s slow start to the season, faith in players like Carrick, who is often seen as a bit of a water carrier (somebody who controls possession, without offering anything meaningful going forward) seems to be dwindling.

But to make him a scapegoat for United’s poor form is unfair. He plays in the holding role. It’s not his responsibility to deliver a killer ball, or split defenses. He knows his job well and he’s the best in the country at pulling it off.

So I’m excited to see that he’s keen to sign a new deal:

“I’d love to carry on playing as long as possible at this club. It’s a fantastic club and I’ve had great times here. I feel good at the moment, I’ve just turned 32 so I’ve got a bit of time yet.” (Source: The Mirror)

I’d love for you to stay too, Michael.

At 32-years-old, he’s no spring chicken, but he does play in a position where he doesn’t have to stretch his legs too much. Another two-three years at Old Trafford can’t hurt and I can only hope that the club is willing to back a man who has been nothing but consistent since his £16m move from Tottenham 7 years ago.

What’s your take? Should Manchester United offer Michael Carrick a new deal?

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