Carrick: Winning Over Style

Michael Carrick says winning is more important than style for Manchester United under new boss Jose Mourinho, as the midfielder waits to find out more about his future at the club.

Some have questioned whether Mourinho's perceived style of play will satisfy United fans who crave attacking and stylish football but Carrick does not think that will be a problem and believes winning is more important.

The 34-year-old's contract is set to expire this summer but he is hopeful he will figure in Mourinho's plans for the future and believes, despite that reservation in some quarters, that the Portuguese is a "good fit" for the club.

"There is going to be change, without doubt. He is coming in and he is his own man, he's got an unbelievable track record and obviously everyone is looking for quick results and that's how it is," Carrick told Sky Sports News HQ.

"I'm not sure exactly the situation of who he is bringing in or anything like that just yet, we will have to wait and see on that one. For me, I'm hopeful, no news as of yet but we'll have to wait and see what happens next week.

"I think his track record speaks for itself, I think it is a good fit. It is about winning at the end of the day. I know there is a lot of talk about styles - play this way, play that way, but it is about winning.

"You have to be No 1, you have to be winning trophies, and if you can do that with a bit of style and a bit of flair then obviously that's the perfect match but, first and foremost, it is about winning and getting back on top."

Carrick thinks his United team-mate Marcus Rashford has a great chance of making Roy Hodgson's final England squad for Euro 2016 after the young striker took just 138 seconds to score on his senior international debut in the 2-1 win over Australia.

However, Carrick, who has won 34 caps for England, thinks the 18-year-old has a big future in the national side, even if he misses out on this summer's tournament in France.

"First and foremost it has been an incredible six months for him and he has given himself every chance," Carrick said. "What more could he have done to give the manager a headache or to put himself forward?

"He's such a nice lad, so down to earth and grounded which is great to see and I hope, for his sake, he goes and does well, and I'm sure he will. He's got all the attributes to do well.

"Even if it is not this one, I have said to him he's got such a big future ahead of him, such a long career that almost anything he gets now is a bonus for him, it's not what he expected, so we'll see how it goes."

Credit: Skysports.com