Over the past few weeks, David De Gea has been the recipient of rave reviews from pundits and fans alike. The Spanish shot-stopper has been in sublime form and has helped keep Manchester United’s winning run going, even with an ever-changing defense in front of him. But there is another player whose return has coincided with the Red Devils upturn in form.
Michael Carrick’s return to the starting XI has seen them win six games on the bounce and keep three clean sheets in the process. Although Carrick has neither scored nor created the goals, he has still be an integral part of the side which has climbed into the top three for the first time this season.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and that was certainly the case with Carrick. The Englishman’s ankle injury in pre-season meant that the Red Devils started without their most consistent midfielder over the past few years. The side’s early form showed just how important the 33-year-old has been to the United setup.
But ever since his return, Carrick has shown just why many inside the club hold him in such high regard. In the seven games he has played since his return from injury, the Englishman has had to play, not only in his preferred role as a deep-lying creative midfielder but also as an auxiliary centre back. And it is fair to say that he has blossomed in both those roles.
Defensive output of Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Daley Blind this season
| Michael Carrick | Marouane Fellaini | Daley Blind | |
| Games Played | 7 | 11 | 8 |
| Interceptions | 1.4 | 1.3 | 2.6 |
| Tackles | 1.4 | 2.7 | 2.2 |
| Blocks | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.2 |
| Clearances | 2.7 | 2.7 | 3.4 |
| % of Aerial duels won | 66.7 | 61.4 | 51.7 |
| Pass Completion | 90 | 87 | 90 |
The statistics certainly seem to back that claim. After Blind’s bright start to the season, his injury was a big blow to United, but the return of Carrick meant that the blow was softened and the Dutchman has seldom been mentioned in the past few weeks.
Carrick has always been a metronomic passer, someone who conducts the game from deep and play crucial through balls that indirectly leads to chances and goals. But what goes unnoticed is the defensive work he does off the ball. While everyone takes notice of an inch-perfect sliding tackle, not many notice the numerous occasions where Carrick positions himself perfectly to pinch the ball off the attacker.
In fact, his aerial prowess which isn’t usually considered as his biggest strength is actually much better than Fellaini who is often considered the better header of the ball. But what has been more important has been the Englishman’s positional awareness.
After the game against Liverpool, Robin Van Persie spoke about Carrick and the reassurance he brings when he is on the ball. While Blind is similar to Carrick in his ability to keep hold of the ball, he isn’t as good, when it comes to a probing pass into the attacking third. Much like Paul Scholes, Carrick’s ability to pick out runners, whether it is a few yards in front of him or 50 yards, is a great asset and one that is much appreciated by the likes of Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney, when they are in the attacking third.
As a defensive midfielder, the 33-year-old does a lot more than simply shielding his defense. Sure, he gives some protection and ensures that they aren’t caught out, but his main job has been to receive balls from defenders and move it forward. Always available for a pass, he makes the job of linking the defense and attack much easier than it is. And given his ability to go either long or short, he is the perfect man to simply sit in front of the back four or three and ping balls to all corners of the pitch.
But the beauty of Carrick is that he is much more than a mere midfielder. He is a more than capable defender, who can slot in seamlessly at center half, as he has done on several occasions in the last 18 months. The problem for United so far this season has been keeping their defenders fit.
None of Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans or Phil Jones are bad defenders. All they need is a calming influence beside them in the form of a more experienced center half. This becomes all the more crucial when Louis Van Gaal adopts three at the back, where there is a need for a defender with a calm head, who can not only stop the opponents attack, but also start one for his own side. And this is where, Carrick is at his best.
While he might not have the necessary physicality to play as a center back in a back four, he is the ideal man to play as the central of the three center backs. In this position, not only can he instigate attacks, but he can also provide cover for the other two center backs, in case they make a mistake. Against Liverpool, he provided Evans and Jones, a cushion of protection as he was always there to sniff out any danger at the back.
And that is precisely why Manchester United need Carrick to remain fit and firing for the rest of the season. Not only does the 33-year-old provide the Red Devils with a reassuring presence whether in midfield or in defense, but also provides the attackers a platform on which to build on. If United are to have any hope of being in the title race, they need their midfielder metronome.
Stats via squawka