Fergie: Carrick is our new
Scholes
2 March 2012
ALEX FERGUSON has hailed Michael
Carrick as Manchester United's unsung hero. The Geordie midfielder, 30, rarely
attracts attention much like team-mate Paul Scholes, who refuses to embrace the
glamorous lifestyle of so many modern-day professionals.
Carrick has not always been that
popular among the Old Trafford faithful but is virtually certain to be in the
starting line-up when the Red Devils take on his former club Tottenham at White
Hart Lane on Sunday.
Ferguson said: "Michael is
not a guy that seeks a lot of publicity.
"He is a quiet lad. He goes
about his life in a similar way to Paul Scholes. It doesn't mean to say he is
not recognised by us.
"You get players like that.
Denis Irwin was much the same. He was not the type to trumpet his achievements.
"It is quite refreshing in
the modern game that we have players who can rely on their ability not only by
promoting or projecting themselves."
Where Ferguson and Carrick do
have a difference of opinion is in the Scot's repeated claims that the midfielder
comes into his own in the second half of the season. Carrick has never
understood that. But the United boss is convinced it is true.
Ferguson said: "I know he
disagrees but I always feel the second half of the season sees Michael at his
best.
"He is doing that at the
moment. His form for quite a while now has been absolutely superb. He and
Scholesy are a good partnership."
Not that Carrick needs telling.
Being quiet has created the impression he lacks confidence, which Ferguson
insists is not the case.
Ferguson explained: "Michael
is mentally strong.
"He has a different
personality. That can be misread by a lot of people thinking he has to be
encouraged all the time. That is not the case."
Carrick believes he has improved
thanks to the extra pressure of being one of the older players in United's
squad following the departures of Edwin van der Sar, John O'Shea, Wes Brown
and, for a time, Scholes last summer
Carrick said:
"Responsibility comes with experience and age is a big factor in that.
"There was a huge turnaround
in the summer.
"The lads who left were all
hugely experienced. The ones who came in, or back from loan, were younger.
"All of a sudden I was seen
as one of the older ones - and I am, I am 30 now.
"I haven't got a problem
with that. You have to set an example to the lads coming through and keep the
traditions of the club going.
"Hopefully I have done
that."
Carrick was delighted to see
Scholes come out of retirement to rejoin United.
He said: "It is great to
have Paul back.
"I wouldn't say I missed him
because you have to move on quickly but he is one of the greats of English
football and to play with again is great.
"We have a good
understanding and enjoy playing with each other.
"We have had some good games
already this season and hopefully there are more to come."
Ferguson confirmed that Chris
Smalling is United's only doubt, having been taken to hospital after clashing
heads with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in England's 3-2 friendly defeat to Holland on
Wednesday.
Tom Cleverley and Antonio
Valencia, as is Michael Owen — although the former England striker is now back
in training.
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