Jose Mourinho claims that Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick still has a role to play at the club, despite not featuring prominently this season.
The former Tottenham star was named as the club’s captain after the departure of Wayne Rooney at the start of the season. However, he has not been able to enjoy even a single minute of action since being given this role. Even though he has made it to the bench on a few occasions, Carrick has never been utilised by the manager. However, this could change in the midweek action when Manchester United take on Burton Albion in the League Cup.
Speaking ahead of the game, Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that Carrick is no longer part of the regular first-team setup at the club. The Portuguese manager says that the experience and the quality provided by the 36-year-old will be vital, as he prepares for his first competitive match of the season.
He has pointed out to the situation of Sergio Romero and Ander Herrera. The former player in the Europa League final last season and has not featured so far, while Herrera has lost his first-team spot this season after the arrival of players like Nemanja Matic. Carrick was given a new one-year contract at the start of the season, and the midfielder has been contemplating the possibility of announcing his retirement from the game.
The 36-year-old has been one of the best players for Manchester United and has won every major honour – including the Champions League. “(Sergio) Romero played the Europa League final, which was the game of the season for us and he is not playing.Ander Herrera was player of the season and is not starting matches.That's life in big clubs. We gave him a contract because we think he is a good player, an important player, he is just in a team where I think in this moment (Nemanja) Matic and (Marouane) Fellaini are in the best form that I have ever seen them,” said Mourinho.