Michael Carrick may have been named Manchester United's club captain at the beginning of this season, following the departure of Wayne Rooney, but the United skipper may be on his way out of Old Trafford before long.
The 36-year-old, who signed a new one-year deal at Old Trafford, this summer, has made just one appearance this term, against Burton Albion in the League Cup. Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini have all been preferred to Carrick by Jose Mourinho and the England international may be seeking more regular football elsewhere as a result.
Carrick has been sidelined by injury as well this season, which has contributed to his lack of game time and the Mirror are reporting that Leicester City, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion are all monitoring his situation at Old Trafford.
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The United captain is yet to play a single minute of Premier League football, this season. Images: PA
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Carrick has made 460 appearances for United since his £18 million arrival from Tottenham 11 years ago. In that time, the midfielder has lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, three League Cups, the Europa League and a FIFA Club World Cup. As one of United's most successful ever players, it was expected that Carrick would see his final season out still proving to be an integral part of the first team, although that hasn't been the case, so far.
Of course, the fine form of Nemanja Matic has affected Carrick's playing time, as well as is injury problems, but the former West Ham man will still have expected to feature more than he has done in the opening two months of the current campaign.
Carrick is one of United's most decorated players, winning every trophy available to him during his 11 years at Old Trafford. Image: PA
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Youngster Scot McTominay also signed a new deal recently and impressed in midfield during United's 2-0 League Cup win over Swansea City in midweek.
Will Carrick decide against a swansong with United to get more first team opportunities elswhere or will the Red Devils' captain see the season out at Old Trafford?
(H/T The Mirror)
Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Michael Carrick