Michael Carrick has been pleased with his own performances this
season, but he accepts that it won’t earn him a permanent place in
the team.
The 26-year-old midfielder’s passing and vision has been a real
asset to United in recent weeks.
“I’m pleased with my own form,” he told
MUTV. “As the season has gone on I feel
I’ve got stronger and stronger and I’m happy with the way things
are going. But now is the time where we need everyone to be in top
form with important games coming up every week.”
In a midfield where competition for places is fierce, a good
performance can often be followed by a space on the bench. But
Carrick doesn’t see it as being dropped, and can suppress his
disappointment with the thought that the policy is more likely to
deliver trophies come the end of the season.
“You have to get used to it,” he explains. “It’s not a case of
getting dropped, it’s about making the right decisions for the
benefit of the team.
“You have to look at the bigger picture for the whole season. The
boss has got all the experience in the world, he knows exactly what
is required over the course of the campaign. You don’t want to be
sat on the sidelines, but you can’t get
too down. Your chance comes round pretty quickly.
“As the years go on it’s becoming more and more of a squad game.
Every game is important. But everyone here is happy to miss the odd
game if you can win trophies at the end of the season.”
The advantage of a large squad not only aids physical recovery, it
enhances the options available to Sir Alex to counter opponents
differing styles of play.
“There’s so much quality in our midfield, and the advantage of that
is that you can adapt to different games, opposition or scenarios,”
he adds.
“Each player has their own strengths, it’s not like we have five
players who are all exactly the same.
“There is a good variety, and that gives the boss options. So far
it’s worked pretty well. Players have come in and out, and it
hasn’t seemed to affect us. It’s working really well.”