MICHAEL CARRICK'S TOP TEAM-MATES

Michael Carrick enjoyed a fabulous career, breaking through at West Ham United before moving across London to join Tottenham Hotspur and switching to Manchester United in 2006.

The majestic midfielder also won 34 caps for England after making his senior international bow in 2001, but his 12-year stint with United means fellow Reds naturally dominate the list of players he shared a dressing room with most often.

However, there is one name who forms part of our select XI, picked by position, who did not represent Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Jermain Defoe was a team-mate of Carrick's at West Ham and Spurs, plus England, and he leads the line alongside the star Michael played alongside the most times - Wayne Rooney. The pair were in the same side 366 times for club and country, winning 234 of those games.

David De Gea edges Edwin van der Sar out of goal (186 appearances to 172), with a classic back four comprised of Antonio Valencia, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.

Chris Smalling, John O'Shea and Jonny Evans missed out on a place in defence and Cristiano Ronaldo was not far away from inclusion in the attacking part of the team.

Instead, Nani and Ryan Giggs are on the flanks, with Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher operating centrally.

Carrick's top team: David De Gea; Antonio Valencia, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra; Nani, Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs; Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe.

Stats courtesy of www.transfermarkt.com.