Staff : First team : Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick is a classy and composed midfielder, equally at home on the ball as he is trying to win it back or break up attacks.

Carrick began his career with Wallsend Boys Club – the same club that produced Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley – before beginning his professional career at West Ham’s prestigious youth academy in 1998. Alongside Joe Cole, Carrick played a starring role in the 9-0 demolition of Coventry City in the 1999 FA Youth Cup final, contributing two goals of his own.

In the 1999/2000 campaign Carrick was loaned out to Swindon Town. The following season saw him loaned out again, this time to Birmingham City. His exploits for the Blues during 2000/01 earned him a PFA Young Player of the Season nomination, although he eventually lost out to Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard.

Carrick spent much of 2002/03 sidelined with injury before West Ham were relegated at the end of the season. Rather than join the exodus that accounted for team-mates Joe Cole, Fredi Kanoute and Jermain Defoe, Carrick stayed with West Ham during their first season back in Division One, where they narrowly missed out on a return to the Premiership in the play off final. But, seeking to resurrect his Premiership career, Carrick moved to Tottenham in 2004 for £2.75m.

Since then Carrick has blossomed. His range of passing and vision make him a valuable addition to any midfield. Under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson and the United first team staff, his talents can mature further still.

Having accumulated 14 caps for the England Under21 squad, Carrick received his first senior England cap in 2001. Aged 19, he was a half-time substitute in the 4-0 win over Mexico at Derby County’s Pride Park stadium. He was a part of England’s 2006 World Cup squad and showed he could perform on the highest stage with a composed display

in the win over Ecuador, where he was assigned the holding role.

At United he has taken over Roy Keane’s No.16 shirt. He is of a different stock to the talismanic former Reds skipper. But his guile, passing range and ability to retain possession will make him an asset to Sir Alex Ferguson’s midfield.

Position: Midfielder
Appearances: 45
Goals: 6
Joined United: 31 Aug 2006
Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
Previous Clubs: Tottenham
United Debut: 23 Aug 2006 v Charlton (A)
International England