Terrace Talk

Michael Carrick’s recent form had me thinking that SIr Alex Ferguson might not have made a mistake signing him afterall. I have even begun to like him. In particular, his assist on Nani’s goal on Saturday was pure class, and has turned me from one of his detractors, to a solid supporter. But I’ll return to this later.

After an excellent display in the 7-1 victory against Roma at Old Trafford last April, when Carrick scored a double, everyone started to believe that he was in fact worth the money United paid for him. Then came the beginning of this season, which found Carrick plagued with lousy form and inconsistency. The matches he played in the autumn didn’t prove to be as good as those in his first season, nor as good as the match against Roma. Because of this form and increased competition for his place, many United fans began to wonder whether Michael would leave Old Trafford in the winter transfer period.

Luckily Sir Alex did not take the rash move, but instead put Carrick on the starting eleven in the first few matches of 2008. The gaffer knew what Michael was capable of, trusted in him, and gave Carrick a chance to prove that his place is at United. His first few matches of the new year haven’t been particularly brilliant, but I have noticed some progress with every match. In the match against Newcastle he proved to be again in good form, control the tempo and showing his passing prowess. In the FA Cup match against Tottenham, his confidence returned, and again had some spledid, precise passes. A week later it was a different story, this time in a Premiership encounter against Spurs, at White Hart Lane, Carrick was missing in the first half. Was it a coincidence that United played such poor football when Michael didn’t play well? The Red Devils were generally poor, and was without a doubt ugliest United match I have seen this season.

Then came the defeat in derby match against City. The first half was very disappointing and United were down 2-0 before there was a chance to regroup. In the second half, Carrick stepped on the pitch and the team played with more confidence and more cohesion. His presence completely changed the way his teammates played. In injury time, Michael even scored a sublime goal, unfortunately too little too late. Yet another coincidence? Against Arsenal, Carrick had a marvelous game, with precise passes, great control of the ball, total domination of the midfield, along with Darren Fletcher and Anderson. Whether it is a coincidence or not, he’s certainly begun to produce at the right time of the season.

I don’t think that now you could say that Carrick is the fifth wheel at United. He has something special that others do not have, and that’s what keeps him at Old Trafford. Let’s hope Michael will continue his stunning form.