11 Jul 2017 19:35:20
Carrick new captain. Means no suitable midfield target found as per earlier comment from Ed 002. So as I guessed earlier No defender would be sold, Blind will move to midfield when needed. And only a left side winger or another striker will join as per situation with market. And that would be all for this summer I guess.
11 Jul 2017 19:45:21
Wait! Because we've made Carrick captain that means no midfielder is incoming not sure how you've come up with that.
Do you not think it might have something to do with his 11 yrs service?
11 Jul 2017 19:59:23
I commented a few days ago I felt Carrick would be club captain. Team captain is likely to be different depending on how often Carrick is selected. It is a good recognition of his outstanding service to the club. I think we need two further first team players and making Carrick captain has no bearing on our transfer decision making in my opinion.
11 Jul 2017 20:02:24
He is the most senior player going into his final year at the club, wouldn't read anything more into than that.
11 Jul 2017 20:09:43
Carrick will be Club captain, no surprise but as he won't play the majority of the games it will be interesting to see who gets the armband when he's not playing. I expect it to be shared between a few players depending on the starting line up, competition etc I don't think it's a major issue to be honest.
In relation Rodio's post I don't think making Carrick captain has any bearing on if we'll sign another midfielder, Carrick was the obvious choice and anybody else would have been a bit of a surprise anyway.
I actually think Blind could be Carrick's natural successor in the holding midfield role. He was actually bought as a midfielder. I think he'd be pretty good at anchoring a three man midfield. He's intelligent, reads the game very well and is a good passer. With Pogba and Herrera playing just in front providing the legs and physicality I'd be more than happy for him to be given a chance. He struggled in that role (on occasions) in his first season but he now has more premier league experience and better players playing alongside him.
I know a lot of people on here don't rate him but I think he's a an invaluable squad player.
11 Jul 2017 20:12:13
I said from where I assumed. It was from earlier comment of Ed. Where he said only suitable MF will be bought and Carrick won't get new deal. if not than 1 year renewal. Obvious its recognition of his services.
11 Jul 2017 20:27:47
That was for a CM like Kroos not a DM like Matic, Fabinho etc.
11 Jul 2017 21:08:18
Really could not care for another midfielder as we have plenty there. we need a right winger being the most relevant gap in our squad.
11 Jul 2017 20:34:52
I'm sure ed2 said in the sharkpod Carrick would be offered a new contract (which he has been ) if we couldn't get the cm we wanted .
Maybe someone can confirm I may well be wrong.
11 Jul 2017 22:07:50
I still think united will sign Matic. Not my first nor tenth choice but the manager will live and die by his signings so if he is who he wants then fair enough.
11 Jul 2017 22:08:24
Spot on jred according to my memory.
11 Jul 2017 22:13:41
Firstly congrats to Carrick top bloke and sets the right example by playing well and generally is a calm influence. Secondly I think Blind is potentially his replacement but may well suffer from lack of game time this year. I think he is a very very underrated player. He is technically very competent and has good vision an appreciation of when and where to pass and always tries hard. Lastly it it's very interesting to see how much longer Carrick has been in the first team than anyone else over 10 yrs and the next are only 6yrs. Shows the turnover of playing staff and shows that we really don't have many leaders in the team.
11 Jul 2017 22:41:34
Hi all, thanks to the Eds as always.
I'm a bit perplexed reading the above, are you seriously suggesting the only reason Carrixk has been given both the captaincy and a new contract is because we aren't singing anyone for a CM slot? I find that very hard to believe. Ed002 may have said that Carrick would be asked to stay should a suitable replacement not be found but I'm sure we will continue to look at alternatives. Plus, in terms of the captaincy, I see no other suitable candidate at present time.