Carrick: We Can All Contribute

Michael Carrick accepts there is plenty of competition for places in the Manchester United midfield but believes it provides enough variety for the club to challenge for top honours this season.

Speaking after United’s pre-season fixture with Barcelona in California, Carrick – who turns 34 next week – told Sky Sports New HQ he is upbeat about the forthcoming campaign.

Among United’s current group of midfielders are new signings Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger, along with the established Daley Blind, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Ashley Young.

Youngsters Adnan Januzaj, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and Nick Powell are also part of the group while Angel Di Maria has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Asked about the plethora of midfield talent at Old Trafford, Carrick said on Saturday: "It’s no different to any other season.

"The manager’s made some great signings but we are all slightly different.

"We all bring something different to the midfield. We can compliment each other and work together well.

"We’ve started well. Myself and Morgan have played a couple of games and Basti’s had a couple of games.

"Shame he’s picked up a bit of a niggle but we know what he brings. He’s an immense player and will have an immense influence on us going forward.

"We should be challenging for the top and haven’t done that for the last couple of years and it’s been hugely disappointing."

Credit: Skysports.com