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Manchester United central midfielder Michael Carrick returned from injury seven matches ago, and Louis van Gaal’s side have gone on an unbeaten run since then. Carrick has since then been appointed vice-captain for the Red Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who had brought Carrick to Old Trafford for £18.6 million in 2006 from Tottenham Hotspur, sought to highlight the impact he has had this season since his return from the ankle injury picked up during pre-season training.
In a recent interview, the former manager said that Manchester United still have a lot of quality in their ranks, and said of their recently appointed vice-captian, “I still think Michael Carrick is the best central midfield player in English football, I really do. I think he is the best English player in the game.”
Really pleased for players finding form
Manchester United face Newcastle United on Boxing Day, and head into the match with a lot of newfound optimism. Radamel Falcao was on target in the last match against Aston Villa, and the shadow hanging over Robin van Persie has passed over as well.
Ferguson said of his former wards, “I think the World Cup maybe taken a little bit out of Van Persie but you watch him in the second half (of the season), he’ll be fine. Rooney is back flying again and Rooney will always get you a goal and that’s always an advantage for a team that’s got a goalscorer in the team.”
Ferguson agreed however, that the most vital contribution to the resurgence at Old Trafford has come from Spanish shot-stopper David de Gea.
“The one (person’s form) that is most pleasing for me of the present lot is David de Gea. When we brought him as a kid, yeah he was frail, skinny, but he had ability. He has special talents and he is showing that now and I’m really pleased for that kid, I really am.”
Ferguson agreed that the current campaign has gotten off to a less-than-flattering start, but concluded, “once they get (all of) their players back they’ll be all right, make no mistake about it.”
