By Jak Penny
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits he prefers to play his football out of the Old Trafford spotlight following recent comparisons to club legend Paul Scholes.
The 31-year-old has emerged as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most trusted players this season with a string of consistent and composed displays in an ever-changing United midfield – missing just one Premier League game this season.
In taking charge of the United engine room, Carrick has also seized the playmaking duties usually reserved for Scholes – and supporters have recognised his importance to the side by immortalising him in song.
“I’m not one for promoting myself,” Carrick told talkSPORT. “I just play my football. I gauge it on the manager and his response. I know myself when I’m playing well, but you can’t please everyone.
“As a footballer, if you do things that people outside the club want or expect you to do, you’re not going to be successful.
“As it turns out, I’ve been here nearly seven years now and been successful. That’s my main focus and anything outside of that is out of my control.”
