While he’s had to watch others get their opportunity in front of him so far this season, Michael Carrick is still firmly part of Jose Mourinho’s plans at Manchester United, report IBTimes.
Only starting two games so far this season against both Leicester City in the Community Shield and Northampton Town in the EFL Cup, Red Devils fans have been wondering why the 35-year-old received a one-year contract extension.
However, reiterating Carrick’s importance to the squad lately, Mourinho claimed: “If you don’t play, you don’t have much fitness. If you don’t train to the top, you are not ready to play.
Still seeking the perfect balance in his Red Devils midfield so far this season, a trio of Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba did manage to stifle Liverpool’s flamboyance on Monday.
While it remains to be seen whether these players will be the go-to options in midfield going forward this term, Carrick is still relied upon as a quality back-up option in the eyes of Mourinho.