Why Carrick Is The Key Man In Van Gaal's System

Micheal Carrick return from injury in March perhaps went under the radar, but the 34-year-old's influence on the team is crucial – and in the two games he has started since, against Tottenham and Liverpool, it's been clear to see.

Prior to United winning at Anfield, Opta calculated that Louis van Gaal's men have taken 2.2 points per game when Carrick has played this season (15 league matches), compared to 1.6 points without him in the side. That rose to 2.25 after Sunday's triumph.

In five games against the other top five clubs, Carrick has started in all three victories (Liverpool twice and Arsenal) and was a 43rd-minute substitute in the defeat to Manchester City and an unused sub in the draw with Chelsea. With eight games to go and matches against City, Chelsea and Arsenal still to come, United's vice-captain's presence is integral – a point made by MUTV pundit Danny Higginbotham in the Big Match De-Brief show this week.

"Carrick was so important and it's a vital job he does," he told MUTV. "Against Liverpool, Carrick was always there in a triangle with Smalling and Jones. There was no fear of a counter-attack. Coutinho is Liverpool's most influential player but Carrick was so vital in making sure he didn't have space between midfield and the forwards."

Just as importantly is Carrick's offensive play, as van Gaal said recently: "He is a midfielder who can play the ball forward and that I like. Our aim is always to pass the more forward rather than sideways or backwards. He is a player who can do that. He is my second captain and important for my selection."