'Instrumental' Michael Carrick seizing opportunity to become Manchester United's main man in midfield, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Paul Scholes' retirement has handed the former Tottenham playmaker the chance to be a "pivotal" player, according to the Scottish boss, who has asked him to maintain his good form

26 Dec 2011 11:30:00

By Oliver Platt

More On :  Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the form of Michael Carrick, describing the midfielder as potentially "the pivotal player of our team" following the retirement of Paul Scholes.
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Carrick has been in good form in recent weeks and Sir Alex added that he thought the England international was seizing the opportunity to take Scholes' mantle as the club's leading playmaker in central midfield.

"Michael's been one of our best players over the past few weeks," Sir Alex told reporters.

"He's been instrumental in what's happening to the team at the moment. He's grabbed the nettle.

"In some ways, he's maybe seen the departure of Paul Scholes as his opportunity to be the main man in midfield."

The 30-year-old has come in for some criticism at times during his spell at Old Trafford, but Sir Alex believes Carrick is coming back into his own and urged him to maintain his good form.

"It's time Michael became the pivotal player of our team," he added.

"We've always known he's got that in him.

"He's a laid-back character - quiet and unassuming - but in different periods during his time here he's shown his quality.

"Now is the time for him to start a long period of dominating the centre of midfield like he has in the last few weeks."

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