Arsene Wenger Regrets Never Managing Manchester United's Michael Carrick 1

Heaping lavish praise on Michael Carrick, Arsenal manager has regretted never being able to manage the Manchester United star.

The 35-year old midfielder enjoyed a star-studded testimonial on Saturday (June 3) to mark his highly-successful 11 years at the club. The former England international began his illustrious career at West Ham United and spent two years at Tottenham Hotspur before signing for the Red Devils in 2006, helping them to win 17 major trophies including 5 Premier League titles and a Champions League title.

Congratulating Carrick for the testimonial match, Wenger told Arsenal website:“I give Michael my deepest congratulations for his testimonial. 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,” he added.

Meanwhile, Carrick scored the equaliser in the testimonial match as a United 08′ XI twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with an All-Star team in front of a sold-out Old Trafford.

Gaizka Mendieta scored the first for the All-Stars before Nemanja Vidic’s header from a pin-point Ryan Giggs cross levelled up the score. Robbie Keane then restored the All Star’s one-goal lead with a brilliant finish over Van der Sar’s head. But just as it was looking like the visitors would leave the Old Trafford with a win, Michael Carrick’s right-footed drive from the edge of the box restored parity.

Last month, Carrick signed a one-year contract to stay at Old Trafford for one more season. The veteran midfielder, whose contract was due to end this summer, initially struggled to get into Jose Mourinho’s team as he made just three appearances before December. However, Carrick won over the Portuguese in the latter part of the season and played a pivotal role in helping the Red Devils win the EFL Cup and Europa League.