Michael Carrick: ‘Manchester United signings add variety to midfield’

Reported Newcastle target Michael Carrick is confident he is different enough to Manchester United’s other midfielders to see regular action.

I understand Inter boss Roberto Mancini and new Toon chief Steve McClaren have both tried to land 33-year-old England star Carrick this summer.

However, reports covered by the Mirror suggest Ed Woodward dismissed both approaches for the 33-year-old, who signed a one-year contract extension in March, on the instructions of Van Gaal.

Louis van Gaal, who guided United to a fourth-place finish in his first season at the club, has snapped up Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian.

Michel Carrick has insisted that each midfield player at Manchester United can “bring something different” to the mix, as competition for places steps up.

The Sunday Mirror claim that Carrick still has a vital role to play in the coming season and his pendulum-like performances offer van Gaal a hugely consistent weapon to call upon.

Van Gaal was moved to reinforce the centre of midfield due to Carrick’s struggles with injury last season, as the former Tottenham player only featured in 18 league games, completing the full 90 on 14 occasions.

Carrick originates from the north-east and is a player Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren will know well from his time in charge of the England national team set-up.

By then Carrick would be 34 and United would be more receptive to allowing him to leave after helping the club through more transition this season.