Michael Carrick - The playmaker of Manchester

Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick of Manchester United attend a press conference

In the last few years, Manchester United have had to journey through many waves of transformation. From the rise of Manchester City, to the evident loss of Scholes and the unexpected retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, United have battled ferociously. And though they have not yet played their finest, they have shown the footballing community their true mettle.

The arrival of David Moyes, who brought along his own training staff from Everton, has exhibited the effects of having a new manager after more than a quarter of a century. Manchester United have suffered more than their fair share of early season jitters, but it seems like the squad is finally pulling through.

The hangover Sir Alex has caused is quite evident, but with veterans like Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville on the coaching team, advice will never be difficult to come by for Moyes. What has been difficult, is getting the team to mesh. The chemistry between the players is essentially what separates a good team, from a world class team, and unfortunately, that has been somewhat lacking this season.

The last few months of United’s football have been marked by a lack of a concrete starting XI. What else can you expect when players like Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are fighting for the same spot? However, continuity in the team is integral to success, and this all-important continuity has been given to United through the unique footballing talents of Michael Carrick.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Michael Carrick of Manchester United competes with Santi Czorla of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on November 10, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Carrick has evolved from a bit-part narrow minded midfielder, to one of the most influential players in world football, and has developed his technique to a point where he is arguably the most versatile midfielder in English football at this moment. His range of passes is immense – from short and agile taps – to 50 yard long balls over the defence – and he has discovered how to make full use of his abilities. He has occupied nearly every position in central midfield for Manchester United, from defensive mid, tasked with protecting the back four, to attacking midfielder, skilfully linking the attack and the midfield.

However, his favoured position puts him right at the centre of the park, from where he can successfully orchestrate all of the team’s forward forays, as well as control its defensive manoeuvres. He has earned the title of Manchester’s playmaker, and rightfully so. While his counterpart David Silva undeniably has talent and skill by the bucket-loads, Carrick has proved his all round capabilities time and time again.

Silva may clinch the accolade of being the better attacker between the two, but the England international’s abilities are grossly underestimated in this category. Here’s some food for thought – in the last season (2012-2013), Carrick had the most number of forward passes in Europe, out-passing midfield maestros like Iniesta and Pirlo. And Carrick definitely outweighs Silva when it comes to defensive capabilities. The number of times a promising attack by the opposition has been thwarted by a well timed tackle or a solid block from Carrick is incalculable.

And so we realise how integral Michael Carrick truly is to the English champions. Nearly every game he plays, he delivers inch-perfect passes, sends penetrating through balls to the forwards, and makes important clearances. It is only when he lacks composure that United seem lacklustre. The Liverpool-United game at Anfield saw a tense game played out by a United team lacking penetration, and a Liverpool side content to defend. That match was one of the very few ones in recent seasons when Carrick had a bad day in the office. Of course, his month-long absence from the playing field has only hit United harder. While players like new boy Fellaini and Englishman Cleverley are waiting in the wings, it is doubtful whether they will be able to make up for Carrick’s absence. It’s obvious – Carrick’s presence and performance directly influence United’s.

Much like the way that a pizza is pointless without the perfect base, the success of a football team relies heavily on the abilities of it’s prime playmaker. And that is the importance that Carrick holds. He is the glue that holds the team together. He is responsible for nearly all of United’s attacking successes, as well as for their stoic defense.

He is, indeed, the Playmaker of Manchester.