Arsene Wenger has come out to praise Michael Carrick, naming him as a player he regrets having not signed for Arsenal.
The midfielder played his testimonial for Manchester United this week for services contributed to the club, but is still playing on beyond the summer. Carrick signed a one-year extension to the Red Devils this term, and it remains to be seen whether next season will be his last with the club, or possibly of his career.
Arsene Wenger has moved to congratulate the former England international for his testimonial, before adding that he regrets never having worked with him during his playing career.
“I give Michael my deepest congratulations for his testimonial,” Wenger said. “I think he deserves it hugely.
“I would say personally I’m an admirer of his career, of his quality. One of my regrets is never having had him as a player because I think he was one of the greatest players in English football.
“I believe as well that he did not always get the reward and the tribute, the recognition he deserved.
“But I’m an admirer of Michael and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Carrick joined United from Tottenham in 2006, only a year after we sold Patrick Vieira, and we have been lacking a top holding midfielder ever since. The former Spurs man has gone onto win five Premier League winners medals and a Champions League winners medal in his time with United, while our side has had to settle for FA Cup wins since the French midfielder’s departure…
Would Carrick’s arrival to replace Vieira have assured us of further glory? Has that one position held us back over the last decade?
Pat J