Following the official appointment of José Mourinho as Manchester United’s new manager, reports have surfaced that the club has offered a one-year contract extension to veteran midfielder Michael Carrick. The 34-year-old, who joined United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 for an initial £14 million fee (with performance-based add-ons), may be set to continue his journey at Old Trafford.
Carrick has been a cornerstone in Manchester United’s midfield for a decade, contributing to multiple Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League triumph. While he was never seen as a direct replacement for Roy Keane, whose departure left a gap that the club struggled to fill, Carrick’s consistency and composure made him a mainstay under Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, and Louis van Gaal alike.
Even though United signed French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin for £25 million last summer, the former Southampton star failed to fully meet expectations. In contrast, Carrick remained one of the most reliable figures in the squad, often acting as the glue between defense and attack. Despite his age, his tactical awareness and calm under pressure make him a valuable asset.
With Mourinho expected to reinforce United’s midfield this summer, retaining Carrick offers both depth and leadership during what’s likely to be a transitional period. His experience could be vital in helping the new manager implement his system smoothly. This mirrors Mourinho’s desire to retain club icon Ryan Giggs, aiming for continuity while ushering in a new era.
Carrick’s current contract expires this summer, and although West Ham—his former club—reportedly showed interest in re-signing him, Carrick has remained tight-lipped. However, shortly after Mourinho’s arrival, Carrick publicly welcomed the Portuguese coach and praised his track record. Still, he stopped short of confirming his intention to stay.
Most recently, Mourinho visited United’s Carrington training ground alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Sir Bobby Charlton, signaling the start of his tenure. With preseason training for non-international players beginning on July 4, Carrick could very well sign the new deal before the squad returns.
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