5 greatest Manchester United midfielders in the Premier League Era

#3 Michael Carrick (2006-Present)

Carrick has won every trophy possible at Manchester United

When Michael Carrick first arrived at Manchester United from Spurs in 2006, many observers recognised his talent but doubted his capacity to fill the big Roy Keane shaped hole in the centre of midfield.

12 years on after he announced he would be retiring from the club this summer, many United fans are mourning the impending departure of one of the greatest club servants, having made 463 appearances for the club so far.

That explains Carrick's career at United- underrated. Despite his ability to dictate the pace of games and unlock defences, Carrick has been underappreciated time and time again. At the start of his time at United, he was in the shadow of a certain Paul Scholes and many critics levelled the accusation at Carrick that he needed Scholes alongside him to play well.

Cut to 2012/13 in Carrick's 7th season at the club, where he was the standout player (along with a certain Robin Van Persie), making 46 appearances in all competitions, as United won the title for the 20th time (truly cementing their place as the most successful English club ahead of Liverpool's 18 titles).

This was largely achieved without the presence of Scholes. Though Scholes had come out of retirement for the club in 2012, he was largely a bit-part player in 2012/13.

2012/13 was definitely the breakout season for Carrick in terms of receiving recognition for his performances from critics, but in reality, he'd been a key player for the Reds ever since his arrival in 2006.

He's won 18 trophies in his time at the club, including every possible trophy there is to win (even the Fifa Club World Cup).United fans will truly miss him when he retires this summer.