Carrick is one of Man United, England's most underrated players ever

[Oscie]

Carrick is massively underrated and underappreciated. If he was 10 years younger and playing at a club on a level that Spurs were 10 years ago he'd be exactly the sort of player who if his name was mentioned as being linked to us in the transfer threads would receive comments about him along the lines of:

"Do not want"

and

"Not United quality"

I'd say most of my United supporting pals were underwhelmed by the signing because it was never perceived to be glamorous or that exciting, to them at least. Signing a young, English central midfielder from a then mid-table-ish side. Every single time we're linked to players of similar profile today it's 'Not United quality. Do not want', etc.

 

[Silver]

Well yeah, of course it's based on what other people think, thats the whole point of the thread: to discuss the wider view of Carrick as a player...

Exactly. So maybe you just should actually engage in a discussion about Carrick as player instead of just posing contrary "opinions/statements" without any basis or justification. You're not "discussing" anything about the player - you're just being contrary about the perception of him.

 

[Jeppers7]

2013 aside he was merely ok, fine, sometimes awful. The odd game outstanding.

Since SAF, Scholes, Giggs, Rio, Vidic left, Carrick has been around....hasn't really done anything to lead us out of our decline. It would've took a truely great player to do that perhaps, Keane Scholes Robson Ronaldo....but Carricks never going to be your man for that job.

 

[ivaldo]

Exactly. So maybe you just should actually engage in a discussion about Carrick as player instead of just posing contrary "opinions/statements" without any basis or justification. You're not "discussing" anything about the player - you're just being contrary about the perception of him.

The whole thread is about the perception of the player, the clues in the title. What do you think people mean when they say a player is over/underrated?

 

[Silver]

The whole thread is about the perception of the player, the clues in the title.

Yes and your perception of Carrick being overrated is simply based on how other people are rating him and not him as a player.

What do you think people mean when they say a player is over/underrated?

Geez, you carry on being condescending and prickish with this kind of shit... won't change your complete lack of substance in this discussion. If you thing Carrick is overrated then explain why instead of just saying it's cause other people are saying the opposite. That's not a discussion. But yeah, go ahead with your smiley's.

 

[ivaldo]

Yes and your perception of Carrick being overrated is simply based on how other people are rating him and not him as a player.



Geez, you carry on being condescending and prickish with this kind of shit... won't change your complete lack of substance in this discussion. If you thing Carrick is overrated then explain why instead of just saying it's cause other people are saying the opposite. That's not a discussion. But yeah, go ahead with your smiley's.

You quote me to tell me I'm just being contrarian for the sake of it and to say my opinion doesn't count an as a result, and now you're getting precious because there's some bite in response? If you're going to be a dick then expect a dickish response.

Yes, that's the point of the thread! How are you not getting this? His 'rating' is based on consensus of fans, and you want me to state how I disagree with this concensus, without commenting on it? Savvy? If everyone is saying he's underrated, then he isn't underrated, is he?

 

[Andy_Cole]

Carrick is massively underrated and underappreciated. If he was 10 years younger and playing at a club on a level that Spurs were 10 years ago he'd be exactly the sort of player who if his name was mentioned as being linked to us in the transfer threads would receive comments about him along the lines of:

"Do not want"

and

"Not United quality"

I'd say most of my United supporting pals were underwhelmed by the signing because it was never perceived to be glamorous or that exciting, to them at least. Signing a young, English central midfielder from a then mid-table-ish side. Every single time we're linked to players of similar profile today it's 'Not United quality. Do not want', etc.

You’re right with the comments at the time. But most united fans rate him as a legend right now. Every fan I talk to talk him as high regard as Rio, Irwin, GNev, Cole, probably a tier below Schmeichel, Giggs, Scholes.

 

[AndyJ1985]

He's not underrated at United. We rate him as a great player, but he's not one of the all time greats. Yes he wasn't appreciated in the national team but who gives a toss about that shower of shit anyway.

 

[davidmichael]

The biggest compliment I could pay Carrick is when he doesn’t play you really notice he’s not playing, as close to Xavi and Pirlo that England has had and they wasted him but their loss was very much our gain and if I could choose a midfielder for us to sign this summer it would be Carrick but 10 years younger.

 

[BAMSOLA]

For me comfortably at Alonso level, though a level below Busquets.

If he had played in a league more conducive to his game rather than the hurly-burly of the EPL (yes Alonso played here but made his real mark at both Real and Bayern) or for a country who played football at a tempo more in step with his game (The ideal answer is Spain in both cases) then most would be able to see just how closely he compares with Alonso in terms of ability.

The fact that he was so successful in just about the most challenging league for a player of his type speaks volumes about just how good he was; a true metronome.

 

[Silver]

You quote me to tell me I'm just being contrarian for the sake of it and to say my opinion doesn't count an as a result, and now you're getting precious because there's some bite in response? If you're going to be a dick then expect a dickish response.

Where did I say your opinion doesn't count? Don't go twisting my words just because I dared to question you - surely if you have an opinion about this "discussion" then you would have some substance.

Yes, that's the point of the thread! How are you not getting this? His 'rating' is based on consensus of fans, and you want me to state how I disagree with this concensus, without commenting on it? Savvy? If everyone is saying he's underrated, then he isn't underrated, is he?

Again, you need to be condescending about the "point of the thread".... fine go ahead. You need to stop making it out that someone doesn't get the point just because you're questioned about your comment. And you need stop twisting my words here again - you just come across as completely disingenuous - where did I say you shouldn't comment on your disagreement? Am I not asking what the substance of your disagreement is beyond your need to be contrary?

>If everyone is saying he's underrated, then he isn't underrated, is he?

And here again is my point about your take on Carrick - you clearly seem to be missing the point that people are pointing out that's he's underrated now at the end of his career because he didn't get the plaudits he should have got earlier. That's the point. If he wasn't underrated then he would have got the plaudits throughout his career. How are you missing that?


Instead of being so damn defensive and offensive you could actually explain WHY you think he's not underrated in terms of actual football and his career instead of just being contrary to a general opinion.


But hey, you go ahead. Yet to see some actual substance about the actual player from you beyond arguing about semantics. But please go ahead.

 

[ivaldo]

Where did I say your opinion doesn't count? Don't go twisting my words just because I dared to question you - surely if you have an opinion about this "discussion" then you would have some substance.

Again, you need to be condescending about the "point of the thread".... fine go ahead. You need to stop making it out that someone doesn't get the point just because you're questioned about your comment. And you need stop twisting my words here again - you just come across as completely disingenuous - where did I say you shouldn't comment on your disagreement? Am I not asking what the substance of your disagreement is beyond your need to be contrary?

>If everyone is saying he's underrated, then he isn't underrated, is he?

And here again is my point about your take on Carrick - you clearly seem to be missing the point that people are pointing out that's he's underrated now at the end of his career because he didn't get the plaudits he should have got earlier. That's the point. If he wasn't underrated then he would have got the plaudits throughout his career. How are you missing that?


Instead of being so damn defensive and offensive you could actually explain WHY you think he's not underrated in terms of actual football and his career instead of just being contrary to a general opinion.


But hey, you go ahead. Yet to see some actual substance about the actual player from you beyond arguing about semantics. But please go ahead.

Where did you say it? Around about here.

All you're doing is being contrarian which isn't an opinion.

Yes I will continue to be condescending because you've been abrasive from the off. If you actually wanted my opinion on the matter you would have sinply asked, much like this poster did:

Care to explain why?

That would be fine if the thread title used past tense. "Is" and "was" implies very different things. The fact you've missed this really doesn't suprise me.

I would have been happy to get in a debate with you about this if you replied with an reasonable level of politness, or even with a question, but not now. Now I'm happy to point out your dickish behaviour and reply in kind.

 

[Manny]

Good article. You forget how garbage we were between 03-06.

Alonso was a liability defensively. He was a very good player but also a luxury one who needed a partner to do the dirty work.

Carrick was a one man midfield in 2013, Alonso could never do that.

Even before that. None of Giggs, Anderson, Cleverley, Gibson, and even Fletcher and an ageing Scholes were adequate midfield partners. Meanwhile, Alonso has had the likes of Gerrard, Mascharano, Khedira and Modric sitting alongside him.

United fans should know more than most that comparisons with Alonso are unfair.

 

[Gliggs]

I remember watching Carrick as a ST holder from 07-10. There were plenty of people back then who didn't really rate Carrick. If I had only watched him on telly I would understand the reason for this, I will explain why.

One of Carrick's biggest qualities is his understanding and reading of the game. When you watch him live you can see the little runs he makes, his defensive awareness was simply astounding. On telly the camera follows the ball, the ball could be at the feet of the opponents CB looking to play a long ball or an opponents playmaker looking to play a forward pass. Carrick could read this, make a little 10 or 20 yard run and block this option. As I say because the camera follows the ball the majority of Carricks work went unseen which is the reason I believe he was so underrated.

I have never met a match going fan that doesn't rate him as a top top player.

 

[promisedlanchiao]

Where did you say it? Around about here.



Yes I will continue to be condescending because you've been abrasive from the off. If you actually wanted my opinion on the matter you would have sinply asked, much like this poster did:


That would be fine if the thread title used past tense. "Is" and "was" implies very different things. The fact you've missed this really doesn't suprise me.

I would have been happy to get in a debate with you about this if you replied with an reasonable level of politeness, or even with a question, but not now. Now I'm happy to point out your dickish behaviour and reply in kind.

First bolded part - In what way was I being impolite? I didn’t agree with your statement which had no reasoning to it so I asked you to explain. Very funny.

Second bolded part - Dickish behaviour with 4 perfect words? Very funny again.

 

[ivaldo]

First bolded part - In what way was I being impolite? I didn’t agree with your statement which had no reasoning to it so I asked you to explain. Very funny.

Second bolded part - Dickish behaviour with 4 perfect words? Very funny again.

I think you need to read it again chap. I was using you as an example of someone who was polite.

 

[promisedlanchiao]

I think you need to read it again chap. I was using you as an example of someone who was polite.

Ah I get it now. Sorry mate. And yes, while I agree that Silver was being just a wee bit impolite, I still believe that Carrick is underrated.

 

[NotoriousISSY]

He was the final piece of the puzzle to complete the team built in 2006. Once we brought in the depth of Tevez, Nani, Anderson etc we were untouchable in the Premier League.

I always liked him at Spurs, and when we got him I was one of a few people I know of genuinely excited to see what he could do for us. He surpassed my expectations and more.

Taking the no.16 shirt may be the biggest regret of his career, because evidently he spent 12 years convincing idiots that he had to be like Keane to be considered a true great. But for me, a player who can control a game of football in the manner someone like Carrick regularly did takes serious intelligence. The man didn't need to bust a gut and be an all-action nutter to convince me.

Carrick, Alonso, Busquets - three players who were central to the successes of their clubs over the last 10 years but taken only a slice of the credit they truly deserve.

Sir Alex got this one bang on, and it was just a shame he was the last truly successful midfield signing we've had for such a long time.

Time to get ivaldo on ignore.

 

[patty123]

Firstly I think he was an ok player, not as great as some make out and not as poor has some have made him out to be. I think the biggest problem he had was who he followed and who's shirt he got. I think people wanted and though we would get a like for like when Roy left and I'll admit I hadnt seen much of him at Spurs, but first impressions of him was he was a coward, as Roy would never allow a player to run at our goal without sticking in a leg whereas Micheal just ran along beside them from MF and when at 18 yard line then tried and mostly failed to make a tackle.

Anyway whatever you think of him, her gave his best and was a good servant who never kicked up a fuss or made threats to leave unless given more money like some other so called legends of this club(that's not just a pop at rooney as he wasn't the only one), so wish the guy all the best in his new role

 

[David_azul16]

No one midfielder, slash that, not a single player who ever played the game could’ve had such an impact that would take that Liverpool side on to win sustained PL titles competing against Chelsea and SAF’s greatest team, It’s a non argument mate.

Very few (if at all) objective football viewers will rate Carrick on Alonso’s level.

That doesn’t mean he wasn’t a very good player.
Imo, he had 3 great seasons for us, the first two and Fergie’s last.
Alonso was world class for at least twice that.

Guardiola is one of them at least.

 

[David_azul16]

Most people that say Carrick is not on level with Alonso, Pirlo etc, only consider their ability on the ball. Is that the only ability that matters for a Dm? What about defending? Just saying....

 

[Jeppers7]

He was the final piece of the puzzle to complete the team built in 2006. Once we brought in the depth of Tevez, Nani, Anderson etc we were untouchable in the Premier League.

I always liked him at Spurs, and when we got him I was one of a few people I know of genuinely excited to see what he could do for us. He surpassed my expectations and more.

Taking the no.16 shirt may be the biggest regret of his career, because evidently he spent 12 years convincing idiots that he had to be like Keane to be considered a true great. But for me, a player who can control a game of football in the manner someone like Carrick regularly did takes serious intelligence. The man didn't need to bust a gut and be an all-action nutter to convince me.

Carrick, Alonso, Busquets - three players who were central to the successes of their clubs over the last 10 years but taken only a slice of the credit they truly deserve.

Sir Alex got this one bang on, and it was just a shame he was the last truly successful midfield signing we've had for such a long time.

Time to get ivaldo on ignore.

You mean he was the last player signed before we won the league in 06 ? Would imply that without him it wouldn't be possible and he was the catalyst ala Cantona ? Ignoring the signings in January of Vidic and Evra who went on to be the best in their positions for years and world class. Also ignoring Scholes coming back from his eye problems and most importantly ignoring Ronaldos development from young inconsistent player to talisman of the team. None of these relate to the signing of Carrick. He came in and did a decent job though.

 

[NotoriousISSY]

You mean he was the last player signed before we won the league in 06 ? Would imply that without him it wouldn't be possible and he was the catalyst ala Cantona ? Ignoring the signings in January of Vidic and Evra who went on to be the best in their positions for years and world class. Also ignoring Scholes coming back from his eye problems and most importantly ignoring Ronaldos development from young inconsistent player to talisman of the team. None of these relate to the signing of Carrick. He came in and did a decent job though.

I think you've completely missed the point.

 

[maniwin]

I love Carrick but don’t think he was at the level of Busquets/Alonso in the holding midfielder role.

Excellent read though and I do agree he was a big reason for our success from 2006/2007 to 2012/2013

He is better than both. Alonso played with Modric, Di Maria. Busquets played with Xavi and Iniesta. Carrick played with ageing Scholes, Cleverley and Anderson.

 

[DevilRed]

Extremely underrated player.

His passing and dictating the midfield is second to none during his prime. A key reason why we won the Champions League and also why we dominated the premiership.

Michael would always start the season slow, but come the business end he would be absolutely unplayable at times. We would do well to find someone even remotely close to his ability.

 

[MadDogg]

Most people that say Carrick is not on level with Alonso, Pirlo etc, only consider their ability on the ball. Is that the only ability that matters for a Dm? What about defending? Just saying....

Yep, that's the key difference. The likes of Alonso and Pirlo pretty much always had a midfielder next too them who did at least as much, normally more, of the defensive work as what they did. They never showed they would have been able to do what Carrick did for us - they would more have been competing with Scholes to be the one next to Carrick. The fact that Carrick was able to spend basically his entire career with us as the main defensive midfielder, while providing almost as much on the ball as Alonso and Pirlo did...it really proves how strong a player he was. I'm not saying that he was better than them, but that he played a different role and that he was probably as good in his role as what they were in theirs.

Busquets is a more direct comparison, and probably the only other true 'defensive midfielder' of the last 10 years who could do what Carrick did.

 

[Hed Zitin]

Carried our CM for five years. Played with awful partners.

One of the best midfielders we've had. Top five.

 

[Sandikan]

Carrick is massively underrated and underappreciated. If he was 10 years younger and playing at a club on a level that Spurs were 10 years ago he'd be exactly the sort of player who if his name was mentioned as being linked to us in the transfer threads would receive comments about him along the lines of:

"Do not want"

and

"Not United quality"

I'd say most of my United supporting pals were underwhelmed by the signing because it was never perceived to be glamorous or that exciting, to them at least. Signing a young, English central midfielder from a then mid-table-ish side. Every single time we're linked to players of similar profile today it's 'Not United quality. Do not want', etc.

True, but then you get a Schneiderlin type, who most people convinced themselves would be an excellent signing,and proved to be exactly the "Not United quality" line.

 

[VancouverUtdFan]

It’s a crime how bad England fecked up by shafting him as much as they did.

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

...Carrick literally would changed the whole makeup of the team and how they operated. All that talent yet were completely mismanaged. It hurts me knowing how they left him off for the most part. What a disgrace..

 

[Silver]

Where did you say it? Around about here.

Yeah not even there and not even before. So again, I ask you to point out where I said your opinion doesn't count... cause if you wanna have a discussion, then be honest about it instead of making up shit that you feel offended by.

The least you could do is at least address at least one of the points about the discussion instead of fixating on your personal grievances. That shows that you're not interested in a genuine discussion. You'll probably have a lot to say about this but whatever, go ahead.... let me see you talk about Carrick as a footballer first before I take anything else you say seriously.

 

[ivaldo]

Yeah not even there and not even before. So again, I ask you to point out where I said your opinion doesn't count... cause if you wanna have a discussion, then be honest about it instead of making up shit that you feel offended by.

The least you could do is at least address at least one of the points about the discussion instead of fixating on your personal grievances. That shows that you're not interested in a genuine discussion. You'll probably have a lot to say about this but whatever, go ahead.... let me see you talk about Carrick as a footballer first before I take anything else you say seriously.

It's there is the bold. We can all see it. Just apologize and move on.

No, I'm not interested in the discussion anymore, not when it takes 5 days for you to respond.

 

[#07]

I know that the mods prefer us not to bump old threads. However, looking at how we've shifted back to a double pivot made me think about how under appreciated Carrick was. Something the OP in this thread highlighted particularly well.

Pogba is great at picking the long pass but defensively he's a liability. McFred are great at hassling and harrying but not playmaking. Carrick could stop attacks and start them. You put Carrick into this side and have him intercepting opposition moves, then firing the ball forward into Fernandes, it'd take us up levels.


What a player he was.

 

[Gary_Walsh_Nou_Camp_Hell]

Match going fans seemed unanimous in his praise. A high % of morons online didn't understand his game.

 

[Vault Dweller]

He was a cracking player and essential part of our great teams from 06-13. Fantastic midfielder.

I really enjoyed his autobiography too, well worth a read as he explains a lot about his own game and how Fergie used him to the best of his ability.

Lovely footballer and how we could do with him in this squad.

 

[Ballache]

He's exactly what we need right now. Him and Fred at the base of that midfield would be great.

 

[Eugenius]

What a player. Ever-present midfielder in our most successful ever period.

Watching McTominay and Fred struggle to pass through the lines reminds us how good his passing from deep us. Basically carried our midfield in 2013 single handedly too (playing in a two man midfield of Cleverley / Anderson / Scholes / Giggs).

 

[Micky Targaryen]

Which player in the league is most similar to Carrick right now? Thomas Partey? He’d seem like the most ideal midfielder to pair with Bruno.

 

[M Bison]

I said at the time, in his last season he was still our best CM despite him being past his best, he's another example of a player not being appreciated when playing, only after he's gone.

Cracking player and a true professional.

 

[izec]

Which player in the league is most similar to Carrick right now? Thomas Partey? He’d seem like the most ideal midfielder to pair with Bruno.

I'd say it is more Rodri to be honest, even if he hasnt set the world alight at City. From the way they play and heir tools, he is the closest to me. Even their body frame and athleticism is similar

 

[Apokalips]

Incredible midfielder, was a one man midfield for so long with a revolving door of crocks and all sorts. I would love to have a Carrick in there now, he constantly put fires out before they grew and his long balls fizzed into the forwards feet was a joy to watch and could spring us from defence to attack in a heartbeat, which is one of the major things we're missing.

When I think of being used to watching the midfield quality of Carrick, Scholes, Keane, etc. and now seeing the likes of Fred and McTominay it upsets me, such a gulf in class. I wish we'd brought in a player like Thiago because that would be a callback to the level we're used to and should aspire to have in the squad instead of the level of player we try to convince ourselves are worthy.