Carrick opened the scoring in United’s 2-0 win over Aberdeen at
the weekend, stroking home from 12 yards after Wayne Rooney was
hauled down in the area.
Ronaldo is usually the designated penalty taker, but the Portuguese
winger was absent after recently undergoing surgery on a foot
problem that troubled him throughout EURO 2008.
The position may soon be up for grabs full-time, however, should
Ronaldo fulfil his childhood dream of moving to Real Madrid, who
have been relentless in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.
And Carrick insisted he would be thrilled to take the reins as
United’s spot-kick king: “It’s always nice to score and get off the
mark and I’m more than happy to get on the penalties. I’ll take a
few more of them if they become available!”
The England international is not renowned for his contribution on
the score-sheet but has nonetheless become a vital cog in the
United machine over the past two seasons.
Although oft maligned by press and public alike, the former
Tottenham man has forged a highly effective partnership with Paul
Scholes in central midfield despite strong competition from Owen
Hargreaves and Anderson.
Now with three medals under his belt since moving to Old Trafford,
the 26-year-old is eager to begin the new campaign after an
unusually lengthy off-season.
“The season seems to have come around pretty quick but it’s the
longest break I have had for a number of years,” Carrick said in
The Sun. “So it’s nice to come back and start all over
again.
“We have to earn it all again and we know it’s going to be a long,
hard season, but we’re ready for the challenge.”