After a successful start to his United career, winning three league titles in his first three season, as well as the European Cup and League Cup, Michael Carrick struggled in his fourth season. He was arguably one of United’s worst performing players in 2009-2010, lacking the confidence and imagination of seasons gone by.

It therefore stands to reason that he has been linked with a move away from the club, with some papers claiming he’ll be used as part of a deal to bring Jack Rodwell from Everton or Luka Modric from Tottenham Hotspur.

Carrick has claimed he has never thought about leaving though and plans to spend the rest of his career with the club.

“I have seen some stories suggesting I would be leaving last summer but I take no notice. It’s part of the game,” said Carrick. “I have never thought I was on my way out of United, not for one minute. It has never entered my mind. And neither has the manager said anything to me. This is a great place to be and results like the one against Valencia make it all worthwhile when you play a part in something like that. I have the rest of this season and next season left on my contract and I would like to stay here for the rest of my career. Why would I want to go anywhere else? It’s up to me this season to work hard to earn the right to do that and to make it a reality. So the aim is to be in the team as often as I can.”