Is Michael Carrick A Luxury That Man Utd Can Do Without?

FanCast columnist Daniel Lomax judges the credentials of Michael Carrick and addresses the dilemma that now faces Sir Alex. Does he reinstate Carrick for defensive security or continue with the flamboyant pairing of Scholes and Anderson.

Following the Englishman's injury against Roma earlier this month, Manchester United have scored sixteen goals in four games. Impressive? Is it a sheer coincidence that since the shackles have been released in midfield, allowing Anderson and Scholes to roam freely and create numerous chances for Tevez and Rooney, that United have hit new record breaking goalscoring heights? 

The other side of the argument suggests that since Carrick sustained his unfortunate injury, United's goal has been under more threat. United have conceded four goals in three games, as opposed to conceding only two in nine when Carrick has shielded the defence in European and Premier League competition.  

So, what would please the majority of fans? Defensive security or flamboyant, open football. I think we all know the answer, but I'm sure Edwin van der Sar isn't pleased when he doesn't receive his clean sheet bonus! 

The question is whether United actually need Michael Carrick? When he does return to fitness he must surely realise that he has a fight on his hands to regain his starting berth, although Paul Scholes' knee problem may make Ferguson's decision a little easier of who to play between Hargreaves and Carrick. With Anderson in scintillating form, the Brazilian wonder-boy would be unfortunate to lose out, but will no doubt be in and out of the team because of his age and lack of experience.  Last season Carrick had a slow start and the £18 million that was spent on him seemed impossible to understand. But Carrick turned into a real player, helping turn defence into attack quickly and effectively, and created chances for the likes of Rooney, Saha, Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs with his vision and superb range of passing from deep. Carrick certainly established himself as a first team regular and justified Ferguson's decision to bring him to the club. His one and two touch passing often broke teams down, shifting defences and midfields to create space for the forwards. 

Often his simple style of play meant that he didn't achieve the personal accolades of players such as Ronaldo. When brought to the club Carrick, who was given the number sixteen jersey by Ferguson, inevitably drew comparisons with the irreplaceable Roy Keane. But Carrick took it upon himself to say he was no Roy Keane. When Carrick didn't reproduce the all action, fully committed, leadership qualities that Keane was renowned for, the fans jumped on his back.  

Now Carrick has another challenge, after winning over the majority of supporters at Old Trafford, of stamping his influence on the current team. With the arrival of Owen Hargreaves in the summer, he could be forgiven for assuming that Ferguson would opt for the new boy on a more regular basis and wonder where he would fit in. Luckily for Carrick, Hargreaves' season has been disrupted by continuous injury problems which enabled Carrick to be involved as constantly as he was last season. Ferguson will look for Carrick to partner Hargreaves in Europe, especially for the away games and give the more attacking players their freedom to score goals, just like last year. En-route to winning the title, reaching the F.A Cup final at the new Wembley and competing in the last four of the Champions League, Carrick appeared in forty-eight matches, just one behind Ronaldo and three behind Rooney, so his influence cannot be underestimated.  

Is Michael Carrick a luxury that United can afford to use as a squad player, or do United really need him in their first eleven week in week out to retain the title and conquer Europe?