[funkdoctorspock]

Here's an article that I think is relevant to the topic at hand.

A young Nicky Butt? I wouldn't go that far, but Carrick was definitely very good against Newcastle.

The adulation will, understandably, be directed towards the incredible Cristiano Ronaldo, who provides a genuine reminder of George Best's greatest days, but it was Michael Carrick, the slowest member of the United midfield, who controlled the tempo against Newcastle. Intercepting, passing simply and changing the play with aplomb, United's midfield fulcrum caught the eye in front of the watching Fabio Capello.

A younger version of Nicky Butt, yet much more canny, Carrick set United's attack in motion as he rolled the ball into the front players' feet and the runners raced forward. Always calm and controlled, his position was the key as he made angles to receive off Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, taking advantage of the freedom Newcastle allowed him. Butt was too deep and neither Alan Smith - no midfield enforcer - nor Charles N'Zogbia got tight enough to close the space.

Ahead of Carrick, United's speedy counter-attacking showed great desire to support the man in possession and add a killer touch, with the third goal, in which Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Ronaldo all combined exquisitely, encapsulating Sir Alex Ferguson's philosophy. It was irresistible stuff.

When United go forward they throw caution to the wind and flood the opposition box. In doing so they leave space for opponents to exploit - Ferguson is happy to go man-for-man at the back, sacrificing extra cover such is his confidence in Ferdinand and Vidic - but Newcastle, playing with a lone striker, were not good enough to administer punishment here. Ferguson's is a brave approach and one that reminds me of the old Brian Clough days.

With both teams employing only one genuine defensive midfield player, Carrick and Butt, the goal deluge was not surprising. Rooney had five first-half goal attempts alone and, although he appeared irritated at failing to convert one of those chances, he was magnificently unselfish in the second-half storm. United were bewitchingly inventive during that period and there was a sense that Allardyce had been spared.

Shay Given's casual contribution to United's second-half pep-up was alarming and, although Newcastle did enjoy some possession at times and were also unfortunate that the peripheral Michael Owen had a goal disallowed, there was little forward thrust. The visitors looked exasperated and exhausted as they tried in vain to contain United's speed and electric movement. Newcastle badly need some midfield steel and a defensive leader as well as a new manager.
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[ROONEYGR]

I think Carrick was excellent with Newcastle and i hope to keep this form because at the first half of the season he was a disappointment.....We need him so he must improve more.............

[Mila]

He was really good today. I've had bad words to say about him and his game before, in a way the last 2 games I've had to take my words back.

I had doubts about him being good enogh for United, but if he keeps playing the way he did today - he'll be just fine.

[mdmrz9]

Carrick's got good football in him, but he can be inconsistent, i think. Some games he plays horribly and others he is the spark plug. I'd prefer scholes and hargreaves/anderson over a combination including carrick in the starting 11, but that is more because i think the others are more creative and dynamic than carrick.

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Also, i think United paid too much for carrick. I believe it was 18 million pounds?

[RooneyRules]

Nope despite him showing some form in the last few games I don't think he is good enough to be in the United shirt. May be it was the fact that he was gonna be our next number 16 or the fee for which Sir Alex baught him that made me felt that he could be a real success but I have been disappointed so far. I dont think that the speed with which United plays suits him. You never really find him taking part in our counter attacks nor has he played those killer passes that I thought he could. Now specially with Hargreaves and Anderson in the team I think he should leave - for his own good.

[USAManUtd13]

^Wrong, wrong, wrong.

He had another brilliant game today. Great defensive work (as usual) and exceptional vision. He had two pinpoint passes today to put players into the box that few other players can accomplish.

This was also the first game that I thought the Carrick/Hargreaves pairing looked good.

[Torque]

For some time Carrick has been playing in every match, the whole 90 minutes. And in the last two games he was outstanding: he was close to scoring in both matches against Newcastle and Reading, he played really well. He is a good lad, he just needs to play every match, to do better and better.
I just remembered the match against Roma, at OT. Michael played very well and we won with the score 7-1. Against Newcastle he played very well too, and we won 6-0. Coincidence?

[kermit63]

It seems to me that Carrick is a rhythm player, if the tempo of the team is high with good movement off the ball he can find the player with a "through the eye of a needle ball".

I also feel that since the arrival of Anderson not just Carrick but the whole of the central midfield crew may have problems in getting a consistent run in the team.

[zak]

i think that his form can be inconsistent, we paid way too much for him, and he's not the quickest man on the pitch. that being said, when he's playing well, united play well. his passing is a constant threat to opponents and the way he knocks them off pace with his control of the midfield is brilliant. if only he did it every match, i do not believe that we would have this conversation. forcing or allowing him to leave would be an absolutely foolish move, as Hargreaves has not proven his ability to stay fit and anderson, while in great form at the moment, is still only 19 and lacks the maturity to properly general a midfield.

[BigMic]

Carrick is definitely a player with no pace but he has a lot of abilities.He has good positioning, creativity, marking and a Scholes-like pass.What more is needed from a central midfielder?I think he is worth the money spent for him.Maybe he is a bit out of the water this season but I'm sure he 'll be himself in games to come.Players never forget their skills.