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When Manchester United fall short of the standards they have set themselves over the years, there is invariably a scapegoat; at least there was last season, and the beginning of this, and that man was Michael Carrick.

They laughed when Sir Alex Ferguson said that Carrick was his most consistent performer, their not laughing now. And yes it’s true that he doesn’t score anywhere near enough goals, a figure of just 19 goals in 253 appearances, but he has never been a prolific goalscoring midfield player, it simply isn’t his game, and despite his wonderful ability, I don’t think it ever will be.

What he does provide, however, is an exceptional understanding of the game and unquestionable positional awareness. He is not the typical anchorman, in the mould of Gennaro Gattuso, and he’s never going to intimidate a team, but his ability to intercept makes him one of the finest midfielders in the country.

Which brings me nicely onto my next point, England. With Euro 2012 approaching, I do not believe that Carrick has been mentioned in any quarters as someone who will go to the tournament and he has not played for his country since May 2010. I’m not saying he should start in the summer, but with 30 minutes left, who better to bring on than a player who can keep the ball.

We found out in the World Cup 2010 that keeping the ball, quite obviously, in football is imperative at the highest level. Something which Carrick certainly does, but his place is still in doubt. One man who will not be unduly worried about Carrick’s absence is Sir Alex, who will see the man he considers as his key midfielder given a summer of rest.

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