Why Man United Should Have Captain Carrick

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With current captain Nemanja Vidic departing in the summer, Manchester United are on the lookout for a new skipper.

It also looks likely that stalwarts Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand will follow the Serbian out of the Old Trafford doors.  So neither of them will be the new main man at United.

If and it’s a big if Ryan Giggs stays on for another year then he won’t be playing enough football to be considered as the new club captain.

So who should be considered for the role?

Well for me Man Utd have three players who should be seriously in the mix.

They are Wayne Rooney, Johnny Evans and Michael Carrick.

Wayne Rooney is set to sign a huge new long term contract. He fights for the cause. Wayne also speaks/shouts at the refs non stop, so why not just stick an armband on him and give him more authority to converse with the officials? But would the United faithful support his captaincy? He has handed in at least two transfer requests and had a very public falling out with legendary ex-boss Sir Alex Ferguson. I believe there is still a section of the support that don’t trust Rooney and would’t want him as their captain.

Jonny Evans is a player that came up through the ranks at United. The Northern Irish international seems to be the central defender that has received the most exposure in the past two seasons. At 26, Evans might just be at the right stage to take over longterm. But he has suffered from a slump of form lately. To be fair most of the Utd squad have had a bad time of it lately, but question marks remain over Evans being a constant starter. He also has a bit of a bland personality.

Before I get to why I think Carrick is the man for the job, I’ll explain why I don’t think other possible candidates are up to the task.

Darren Fletcher – Just back into the fold after a long illness. He doesn’t need the added pressure, that could have an adverse effect on his health.

Robin Van Persie – His commitment has been questioned this term and isn’t sure of staying beyond the summer.

Phil Jones – First and foremost he needs to find a position and make it his own. Has to find consistency in his performances, the captaincy could be a big distraction.

David De Gea – Still very young and would need to assert himself more on those around him.

So for me it has to be Michael Carrick, even if its just for a few seasons. I am a big fan of captains playing in the middle of the park. They’re in an ideal position to give out advice and receive instructions. You are also usually close to the referee when in that position.

Carrick might not be a shouter but he would lead by example. Over the past few seasons it’s hard to find a player who has been as consistent at Old Trafford. He also when fit Carrick plays.

He has also been at the club for eight years and won five league titles, a League Cup, a Champions League and a Club World Cup. So he has been there and done it all with Man Utd.

Also don’t be surprised if the Wallsend man retires from international duty after this years World Cup. That could prolong his United career.

I’d have Rooney and Evans as vice captains.

So say Carrick isn’t there in two years time, you could see if Rooney really is committed, Evans has the personality or if Jones has matured into a natural leader.

In the summer Moyes will make his own decision but no matter who takes over they will have a huge job trying to help the club get back on track and challenging for silverware again.

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