35-year-old Michael Carrick could be set to continue his career at Manchester United and will hold talks with Ed Woodward after the EFL Cup final against Southampton at the end of this month.
Carrick, who signed for Manchester United in 2006, is due a testimonial after spending ten years at the club having taken over the number 16 jersey from club legend Roy Keane, who departed abruptly the season before Carrick arrived from Tottenham.
The former Spurs midfielder signed a one-year contract last season and found game time hard to come by under new manager Jose Mourinho earlier this season.
The England international eventually forced his way into Mourinho’s plans by November however, and he, along with Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba, have formed a formidable midfield three that has been crucial to his side’s revival this season that sees the Red Devils as the only Premier League team still involved in all four of the domestic and European competitions they’ve entered this term.
The Daily Mail report contract talks between both representatives will be held once Manchester United have played Southampton in the EFL Cup final on February 26.
It is a clear sign that Mourinho values the experience and input of the midfielder and that he would like to extend their stay together.
Carrick has been hugely successful in his decade at Old Trafford, picking up no less than five Premier League titles, one Champions League crown, one FA Cup, which he won under Louis van Gaal last May, and one League Cup, which he will be hoping to add to later this month.
Despite talking a while to throw Carrick into his starting eleven, Mourinho now values the experience he brings to his side and wishes he had had him in his prime.
“It’s one thing to be 25 years old, another thing to be 35 years old,” Mourinho said.
“That’s the logic of things. But the only thing I can say is he’s phenomenal. No doubts about it.
“Do I have to manage? I think I have to. He gives us stability in our game, he gives mental freedom to the other guys around him to be more offensive.”
Carrick is rumoured to be planning his testimonial, where he will no doubt get the reception his loyalty and performances in the red jersey over the last ten years fully deserves.