With Michael Carrick repeatedly missing out on the plaudits he deserves, from reds and non-reds alike, it’s time to see how one of our best players performed in 2011-2012.
vs Sunderland – one player attempted and completed more passes (Scholes – 98/103 or 95%). Completed 73/78 (94%)
vs Swansea – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 82/88 (93%)
vs City – attempted and completed more passes than any United player with 49/53 (93%). Barry (58/65 or 89%) and Toure (60/69 or 87%) attempted and completed more.
vs Everton – attempted and completed more passes than any United player with 58/73 (80%). Neville (65/72 or 90%) attempted and completed more.
vs Villa – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 65/74 (88%).
vs Wigan – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 62/67 (93%).
vs QPR – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 119/135 (88%).
vs Blackburn – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 92/100 (92%)
vs Fulham – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 96/104 (92%)
vs Wolves – subbed off after 58 minutes to give Paul Pogba a decent run. 49/56 (88%)
vs West Brom – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 88/96 (92%)
vs Tottenham – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 72/81 (89%)
vs Norwich – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 88/101 (87%)
vs Liverpool – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 92/98 (94%)
vs Chelsea – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 66/76 (87%)
vs Stoke – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 129/139 (93%)
vs Arsenal – completed more passes than any other player with 51/56 (91%). Song attempted 56 and completed 47 (84%).
vs Bolton – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 59/66 (89%)
vs Newcastle – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 69/80 (86%)
vs Blackburn – played as a central defender because of injuries. Completed 34/38 passes (90%).
vs Wigan – played as a central defender because of injuries. Completed 39/40 passes (98%).
vs Fulham – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 67/74 (91%)
vs QPR – one player attempted and completed more passes (Faurlin – 52/71 or 73%). Completed 49/58 (85%).
vs Wolves – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 66/73 (90%)
vs Villa – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 55/62 (89%)
vs Newcastle – one player attempted and completed more passes (Giggs – 52/64 or 81%). Completed 45/54 (83%).
vs Swansea – attempted and completed more passes than any other player with 92/96 (96%)
vs Sunderland – subbed on in the 83rd minute. Completed 4/4 passes (100%).
vs Everton – injured. Not in matchday squad.
vs City – injured. Not in matchday squad.
vs Liverpool – Not fully fit. Unused sub.
vs Norwich – Not full fit. Unused sub.
vs Stoke – injured. Not in matchday squad.
vs Chelsea – subbed on in the 63rd minute. Completed 19/21 passes (91%)
vs Bolton – subbed on in the 8th minute. Anderson, Rio and Reo-Coker attempted and completed more passes. Completed 46/51 (90%)
vs Arsenal – injured. Not in matchday squad.
vs Tottenham – Not fully fit. Unused sub.
vs West Brom – Not fully fit. Unused sub.
Carrick played in 30/38 league games, started 27/38 and played for the full game 26/38. However, two of these appearances were in the centre of defence, so we’re looking at 24 games where he played in midfield.
Carrick attempted and completed more passes than any player on the pitch: 19/24
Carrick attempted and completed more passes than any United player on the pitch: 3/24
Carrick attempted and completed more passes than any opposition player on the pitch: 2/24 (Scholes vs Sunderland and Giggs vs Newcastle)
Conclusions
- Carrick’s pass completion over the course of the season was 90.1%. To put this in to perspective: Yaya Toure – 90.5%. Scott Parker – 89.5%. Luka Modric – 87.4%. David Silva – 87.1%. Juan Mata – 87%. Frank Lampard – 86.9%. Gareth Barry – 86.4%. Ramires – 85.1%. Raul Meireles – 84.5%. Jordan Henderson 83.9%. Steven Gerrard – 83.1%. Marouane Fellaini – 79.7%.
- Carrick’s number of touches per minute over the course of the season was 1.01. To put this in to perspective: Gerrard – 0.97 touches, Barry – 0.95 touches, Parker – 0.88 touches, Lampard – 0.85 touches and Hnederson – 0.77 touches.
- Carrick’s pass completion in the final third over the course of the season was 81%. To put this in to perspective: Parker – 79%, Barry 77%, Lampard and Gerrard – 75% and Henderson – 74%.
- Carrick’s key passes per game (as adjudged by the number of starts) was 1.04. To put this in to perspective: Gerrard – 2.25 key passes, Lampard – 1.92 key passes, Henderson – 1 key passes, Barry – 0.98 key passes, Parker – 0.75 key passes.
- Carrick’s tackles per game (as adjudged by the number of starts) was 3.3. To put this in to perspective: Parker – 3.8 tackles, Barry – 2.7 tackles, Gerrard – 2 tackles, Henderson – 1.7 tackles and Lampard – 1.6 tackles.
- Carrick’s interceptions per game (as adjudged by the number of starts) was 2.6. To put this in to perspective: Parker – 3.2 interceptions, Barry – 2.3 interceptions, Henderson – 1.7 interceptions, and Gerrard and Lampard – 1.4 interceptions.
Man Utd News 24/7
Shouldn’t we just be happy that he can put his feet up and rest this summer?
U can stick your fucking England up your arse is right.
Its great to see that carrick has come of age.. bt to me.. The more important thing is his passing range produces more goals than being only the link between other players.. Jst my 2 cents..
I’ll be supporting the refs and the officials
You heard it here first
Hnederson – 0.77 touches? Makes him sound vaguely Brazilian, could be a good look for him.
Mr- agreed pal. Rest up, save your legs for next season mike .
These stats seem to suggest that Carrick is better than any of the midfielders in England’s Euro 2012 squad. That can’t be right, can it? Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, veteran of four Premier League title wins and three Champions League finals? Better than Stevie G, Franky Lamps, Scotty Parker, Gazza Barry and Jordz Henderson? I’m sorry, I’m not having that. Your stats must be wrong.
He’s pretty good isn’t he. But we all know England, I’m surprised the FA didn’t try and get Carlton Palmer out of retirement for the finals before speaking to Carrick!!! Beach in the sun is the best place for him!!
Ingerland what a joke!!!
Looking forward to the Olympics more.
Carrick for the British team!
look theres no doubt carrick has quality but its always seen in glimpses…hes been assured of a position for years cause fergie has refused to re-invest in the central midfield…that for me has been a factor of his average at best performances HOWEVER i believe the signing of kagawa, scholsey back for another year and no doubt another midfielder comin in, plus the return of clev ando and hopefully fletch will put carrick under pressure to the fact that he actually needs to perform to keep his place…..but im the biggest critic of carrick and theres been times wen ive been like FUCK ME WERE DID HE PULL THAT 1 FROM..so the talent is there just hope we see the very best of him next year
great player regardless what everybody else thinks. fuck england.
going by these stats should be carrick and parker starting in midfield similar to alonso and biscuits for spain
great player regardless what everybody else thinks. fuck england. GGMU!
parker carrick
oxlade rooney young
welbeck
Love Carrick, No nonsense player who has put his body on the line time and again and paid for it for this club.
He doesn’t score as many goal as he did at Spurs, basically because he is used differently, as a forward sweeper in my view. When he does shoot or score, you can see his vision and what we would have if we had been able to use him in a more forward position. Injuries to Vidic, Rio and Fletcher, and the various issues with Anderson mean that Carrick is continually used out of position relative to his optimal game. But make no mistake he plays the part that the manager is asking of him which allows the FBs and wingers more freedom.
Would love him to spend the summer with the physios and weights. Maybe he can finally put behind him some of the niggling injuries that have troubled him the last 2-3 years.
Carrick is a talented player,but he doesnt follow up his passes nor does he create space to recieve one.the reason his stats are so good is cos he doesnt take responsibility he releases the ball immediately he receives it no attempt to dribble or shoot on goal,his are cowardise stats.
Cheers Scott.
Best midfielder in the EPL this season along with Toure, imo.
Where’s CarBangPrick?
I must admit, I wasn’t sure about Carrick. That was until last season. The stats prove what a valuable player he is. I just WISH he’d put his foot in more, when it comes to challenges and tackles! I know it’s not his game but he needs to be stronger. Maybe a bit more like Fletch??
No attempts to dribble or shoot on goal:
http://www.soccerclips.net/videos/queens-park-rangers-0-1-man-utd-carrick
http://www.soccerclips.net/videos/man-united-3-0-bolton-carrick1
Fax this to the FA!
Costas
Right above you mate
Carrick 4 GB 2012 !!
Gold!!!!
Nooo ! ;http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3774/the-sweeper/2012/06/02/3143172/the-sweeper-kagawa-move-to-manchester-united-hits-snag-over-work-
ANDY COLE
WHAT A PLAYER
LEGEND
So why do we need a new midfielder
@MG
Hi mate. I saw it.
I responded with facts, but my comment is still moderated. I will say this though. If Carrick doesn’t dribble or shoot, then I wonder how he scored that goal at QPR. Using the Force?
Costas
Yes the force is strong with Master Carrick
I’m sorry to go against the grain here, but unfortunately Carrick is just not good enough at any position. As an attacking midfielder he has not got the vision or the ability to control the pace and direction of play. As a destructive midfielder / forward sweeper, he is caught out time and time again in big games, and does not get tight enough like Fletcher does.
I will support him and defend him against others, cause he is a Manchester United player and we have to stand behind our own. But if we are talking amongst ourselves, he is not influential enough in any area of the park to justify his place as anything but a squad player.
Whenever, we have to resort to stats to back up how good a player is, it’s usually a good indication that he isn’t. No amount of successful 5 yard passes sideways or backwards will ever make Carrick the best player in our midfield, let alone in England or Europe.
Carrick is shit get Barton in
SAF can save his career
Evening Romers,
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/euro-2012/england/120602/exclusive-sheringham-urges-hodgson-turn-carrick-and-scholes-173536
@MG
People often wonder why England keep overlooking Carrick. Check out some of the comments here. When he’s not rated highly among United fans, I don’t expect Capello or Hodgson to act any different.
I am just happy that Carrick is going to get the rest that he needs! Could not give a toss about England and the Euros 2012.
Blessing in disguise anyway. He’s carrying an injury towards the end of the season. Rooney was too. Fuck England! We need them both fresh and ready for the new season.
@Repeatof99
I suggest you study Carrick’s stats before commenting things like he only makes 5 yard side or back passes. Otherwise you are going to look silly
Have we signed any cunt yet
How shit is glen johnson
Oxlade Chalmberlin. …..
Jordan Henderson
Theo Walcott
Woy the fucking comedian…. Fuck me gently
Costas
Out of the 600 million plus fans we have how many would be plastic by any chance or computer Avatar generated according to the time we live in?
I’m sceptical about these results, hence sceptical about certain comments
Evening Watson!
Holmes you devil
Klingon coming on
God I’m bored
I have watching Dortman and BMG and Kawabunga scored and looks great. A replay on Goltv.
TB me as well.
To all those women who watch the football and shout “pass it to Frank” or “bring Joe Cole on;” fuck off. You didn’t see me at Sex And To all those women who watch the football and shout “pass it to Terry or “bring Rooney on;”
Fuck off.
You didn’t see me at Sex And The City 2 shouting “Fuck her up the arse “
Fucking iPhone
Mike is good, Mike has a languid style that the miss informed think he is a pile. He see the game so well his positional awareness is so spot on. He makes it look to easy. Not frantic like Scott Parker. Well you can not fix stupid.
@Marq
His stats say nothing about the direction or length of pass. Most of the time, Carrick collects the ball and either plays it back to our central defenders, or sideways to Scholes, so that he can actually pick out a pass.
If you really want to go by stats, which is probably the most misleading and useless way of judging player ability – then have a look at the number of assists Carrick has, or number of goals scored, and then compare that to other attacking midfielders. And if you think he is not actually an attacking midfielder, but a defensive one, then you would have to compare the number of goals scored against us with him on the pitch, vs. without him.
Like I said though, a good player, who is ridiculously inconsistent and not good enough in any one position to warrant a place in our starting line-up.
Fred I fight my phone the time. Hehe it fucking wins some 84 percent of the time:-(
Watson
No I’m Holmes Cedars is the Devil
Feelings mutual with no United playing…
Well Eden Hazard was a miss – I can’t stop crying at our luck
Austerity and all
Zibbie – what are you doing!
Watch and learn Hazard
Dany Welbeck is the name.
DANNY
Young to Wellbeck
Goal
Simples
All United!
Injury free I expect Welbeck and TC and Vidic to create havoc next season
Zup zup, my boy Welbz!!
Great assist from Youngy as well.
United are shit
chelsea shitty and liverpool are the future
We are dinosaurs – and Carrick needs four eyes to pass forward
Get in Danny. Eden who??
Dembele for United
What a fucking striker – let’s bid 20 million for no apparent reason other than he’s world class because the paper said so.
United > ingurland
always.
What’s really funny is that Belgium 7 Mertus or whatever – he’s fucking playing better than the 78 million Hazzard.
Me thinks Roman might be shitting himself
Ego maniac owner
@MG yeah and queen kenny is next in line to replace tito at barca………………..
Danny scores for the sack of shit.
@MG
Ah, it’s hard to tell. I’ve seen quite a few of them in recent years. Gibson can attest.
Young scores the only goal of the last friendly with a virtuoso effort, Welbeck scores the only goal of this game, set up by Young. It’s quite clear that the only decent England players are Manchester United players. They’ll still find a way to blame one of our boys when it all goes tits up though (probably Carrick for ruling himself out of contention, or Rooney for getting himself suspended.)
paramrooney
Excellent – Pique will come back with Messi Xavi and Iniesta – midfield solved
Costas
Here here!
“Ashley Young has scored or assisted 11 of England’s last 20 goals. Influence.” – OPTA Joe
It’s all Gibsons fault
Any link to e match mates???
Well done Danny – son!
Made by A Young! United to the rescue! 
Hazard is poop! 
http://88.80.11.29/47538/watch-england-vs-belgium
The whole point of this post was to prove that Carrick is Englands best midfielder based on stats.
Hazard has had a quiet 45 mins but statistically is the best player in the French league and has been for 2 seasons.
He’s turned you down and therefore is shit?
Doesn’t really add up.
Are u watching Eden, this is Danny Welbeck, made in united
Carlsberg
Probably the best beer in the world
England
Probably the best international team in England
MG
Mertus 7 is playing a hell of a game, he wants to get sold, and it seems Hazard is being careful with his steps, so he doesn’t ruin his “DREAM” move.
cmon DANNY! it was a paerfect goal.
19 I am new with my 4G phone and am trying new shit:-)
This Mike
The ABU’s – got to love them
Here have a tissue – no have a box
Someone should crunch Hazard for a laugh.
Dan turing into a man.
;-);-)
BTW been reading a while for ABU
what does it mean? 
sorry if i don’t understand, and leave jokes aside 
haha
Jones break Hazzarrds foot.
WeAreUnited
Chelsea fans are in for something
Zibbie
Lucky you mate here in England we are still stuck on 3G
Why does David look like Kevin Costner?
ABU?
Anyone But United
Seriously you didn’t know that?
Zibbie, what is with the cubs? as in chicago cubs?
MG
The interesting thing of course is that United were desperate to sign him. Someone at your club needs sacking I reckon. 32M for Hazard when you lot on here can clearly see he’s garbage.
This team is crying out for a player like Carrick. What does Milner actually do?
When you’ve got mobile players like Danny, Ashley and Oxlade Chamberlain you need a player that can deliver the ball. England have no one.
MG : first hahahah, i meant today that he is being careful so he passes his medical for the “dream” move.
and no, i didn’t know what it meant
now i know 
Mike (red moniker)
And who are your lot? Just asking
Signings in Football Manager dont pan out ok in real life…
@mike why dont u fuckin bugger off yo ur own page……………oh i kno why,cuz its fuckin empty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!fuck off u “i luv assanal” turned”i luv chelsea” turned”i lick shitties balls”now”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!choose a fuckin club!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike
Wanting to sign someone and actually getting him are two different things
Of course since you are not a Manchester United supporter you won’t recognise the many of us who just didn’t know who he was and couldn’t understand the fuss – and in this day and age that’s a big thing – if he ends up a miss – he won’t be the first one
This is just a never ending circle – it will never end – for you to make it out to be the be all and the end all – well I suggest you heed my words – he will not be the first and last player we have missed on.
At the moment he is just an expensive potential – Chelsea also bought Lukaku last year – heard of him lately?
And we have had our successes and failures too – so it is what it is.
yeah but then this is juts a friendly game, and i still believe hazard will come good, not as good as he would have been with us but he will show his magic, sadly at chelski.
he’s just being careful i guess. dembele has impressed me today.
@MG, agreed, I mean we only have to look at our very own Anderson for that! That kid was a world beater on that game but it turns out in reality he has two left feet and took him just over 2 years to score a premiership goal for us.
Evening Cedars
WeAreUnited
Talking about Lukaku he’s coming on
i also agree with MG in that point, but hazard will turn good, believ it or not, hope just not too good.
when u see talent you need to be real and admit it.
Joffrey
The enigma that is Anderson…
International football sucks dick….
Evening MG
@MG just heard barca hav put in a bid 4 lukaku to replace messi………….
Talent is fair enough – the one thing having seen him for the first time is that he isn’t that tall – so cannot effectively be like a Ronaldo even if he works on his body
So he’ll be in the Silva mode then – ok – we’ll see how good he turns out to be.
At the moment it’s just potential – I mean we have enough of that at United – We just need more finished products or close enough to compliment our team – that’s my opinion and has been for a while…
Sadly Anderson’s best season in a United shirt was his first and that is not a good thing. He’s gone backwards in his progress rather than forward and I’m at the end of my patience with him to be honest.
I’ve got a huge talent………
Evening Cedars – how do we find you today
paramrooney
Excellent is Messi coming to OT?
He’s the only Argentinian that I want at the moment – even then not before Xavi or Iniesta
Willie
No doubt about that!
MG – Feeling like shit mate
and i respect that opinion
absolutely . a player with great potential, and of course after rejecting the greatest culb ManUnited, i dont want seeing him becoming great.
But i respect players that show good touch and something different in football, no matter where they play, no need being bitter, it doesnt matter if he didn’t come to Utd.
Willie
Second Cedars no doubt about that
Cedars
Cheer up Cedars – on the beach in the south pacific watching the girls go by in a bar drinking ice cold drinks – listening to James
and that coming as a football fan
as a United supporter of course i want him to break his leg 
I’ve just seen Gary do his first coaching technique
He’s got it!
Stevie Me MOTM?
Deary me..
MG
Cannot do better than that mate, just so hungover that my head feels likes its 2 tons!! Me Irish lady done me over so bad that its not funny anymore…..Well, its funny if you’re watching me !! ha ha ha
Cedars
It’s funny you explaining it funnily so
MG
He is a very very good player who hasn’t performed tonight. However, I don’t support Chelski so personally I don’t care. The point of my post was purely that the original post said Carrick is Englands best midfielder according to stats. Well, using the stats Hazard is an outstanding player.
@ RepeatOf99
Find the stat of how many forward passes Carrick made so i can guarantee you you’re wrong, its a myth that he only passes backwards and sideways.
A myth that only fools believe
You clearly don’t watch games close enough or you’re ignorant to football
England won…. Who gives a shit
Just seen this tweeted? Welbeck 1 Hazard 0.
Mike
Okay fair enough but again how does Hazard concern me?
I’m not disputing the kid neither his potential – further today is the first time I’ve seen him – so I mean okay Chelsea have paid 32 million for him – fair enough – he could be incredible in years to come but at the moment in a league which is inferior to the premiership the jump will be incredible for him – if he makes it good luck to him no ill or hard feelings from this Manchester United fans side.
Watson
Watching Gary Neville do coaching duties was fun though
Gary Neville – personified cool
MG your type puts me into the picture so far I have KODAK ON MY BACK.
He’s a TEAM PLAYER. And England are far from a team.
Zibbie
Michael Carrick has been better this season but he still doesn’t get anywhere near enough goals or assists. Its shocking he doesn’t get in THIS current England squad and team. If Michael Carrick were to run more and jump when the ball is high in midfield. When he does make surging runs into the opponents half he looks like a real player. He doesn’t shoot enough either.
He held our team together when the amount of injuries were piling up, brought immense stability and composure to our back4 which was without Vida, very happy for him. Recharge your batteries Mike, need you next term!
FLETCH @ 15:57: “When he does shoot or score, you can see his vision and what we would have if we had been able to use him in a more forward position. Injuries to Vidic, Rio and Fletcher, and the various issues with Anderson mean that Carrick is continually used out of position relative to his optimal game.”
I totally agree – when he’s paired with Paul Scholes, something is lost from Michael Carrick’s game. I think that he’s just too deferential to the LEGEND that is TheGingerNinja. I also think that we’d see much, much more from Michael Carrick if he could be partnered with someone like DarrenFletcherinho (in his “football genius” mode).
The closest we’re going to see that partnership is if SAF uses MrJones in the box-to-box role OR – and I know that this will give a lot of you guys apoplexy – if he decides that he wants TheWayneBoy to move into that box-to-box role alongside Kagawa in some version of a 4-1-2-3 (with some combination of Nani and Valencia and Young and Chicharito and DannyTheLad comprising the “3″).
WillieRedNut @ 17:20: “Blessing in disguise anyway. He’s carrying an injury towards the end of the season. Rooney was too. Fuck England! We need them both fresh and ready for the new season.”
Direct, to-the-point, AND correct – you tell ‘em WillieBoy.
Mike @ 19:05: “using the stats Hazard is an outstanding player.”
Errrrr, NO ! You figure that Hazard’s one goal in 28 international appearances makes him better than who – Danny Welbeck – one goal in two starts ?
How does our squad make up look as ro 25 man, home grown and all that. Just have a feeling we cannot bring in all forreign players, but I might be wrong.
Personally I would be more happy if SAF brought in a true nr. 2 this season. Think that will be worth a couple of players.
Stats, the thing that prove every human being has an average of one testicle!
He’s not even believable as a professional footballer!