What Does Carrick Deal Mean For United Transfers?

News that Michael Carrick signed a new Manchester United contract wasn't the most popular news among United fans, not least because he has had a below average season so far, in a pretty average and uncreative midfield.

The majority of United fans on forums have been raging with the news with comments like:

"F***ing hell, his demeanor on the pitch this season suggests he can't be arsed. There was a time a few months ago where it looked like he was protesting on the pitch but generally being a ****."

"Chelsea are rebuilding, and so must we. City will be stronger too. Next season, genuinely, we could be left behind if we don't improve the 11"

"We're doomed"

"F***ing joke of a midfield player for best part of 2 seasons"

"They must have a plan - a new plan - that he fits into somehow"

So why has Sir Alex Ferguson not seen what United fans are seeing? Does Ferguson think Carrick would be better than new signings - fresh-faced, skilful, creative and imaginative players who would rejuvenate a current old, fragile centre midfield.
Well, Sir Alex had this to say:

"I am delighted Michael has signed a new contract."

"He has been outstanding since joining us from Tottenham in 2006. He is a true professional and it is great he has committed his future to the club.”

Perhaps Sir Alex knows that no large funds will be available in the summer to sign any big name, top quality, proven players. Or perhaps the United manager is sticking to his understandable and obvious claim that there is no value in the market. When £25 million for, at best, good players are happening every other week because bottomless pits of money are available at certain clubs, inflation is out of control. United don't have that sort of money.

Expect more signings like the astute ones of  Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling. Manchester United scouts will have been sent out to search for midfielders that could, in the future, replace the likes of Paul Scholes and maybe even Owen Hargreaves who's injuries seem unfortunately endless. Players will be signed in the summer, but they will be young, and not in high demand - possible risks, unproven atPremier League level.

Manchester United have been linked to Alexis Sanchez, the Chilean winger playing for Udinese. The club have announced that a bid of close to £30 million was offered to them, with a completion due to go ahead in the summer. Udinese refused to identify the bidders.

United will be bidding for a goalkeeper in the summer, I'm sure we can assume that much in confidence. Again, the cheapest option is most likely to be considered - in this case, Maarten Stekelenburg of Ajax who is apparently worth around £10 million as opposed to other targets such as Manuel Neur and David de Gea, who's asking prices will be considerably higher.

United have been linked to several midfielders as they scour the globe to find a replacement for Scholes, including Nuri Sahin, Steven Defour and Marek Hamsik - all would cost at least over £10 million, with the highest valuation being around £35 million for Hamsik.
Perhaps it would be better to give some young players from the reserve team a go - there are certainly some talents in there, with Tom Cleverley, who was on loan at Wigan and Paul Pogba impressing. Pogba may be too young at the moment, but I would like to see more of Cleverley, but it looks very likely that Ferguson will be looking for a new play maker in the market this summer despite news of Carrick's contract extension.

Sign Scholes Up

"The greatest player of his generation", "a beautiful player to watch", "he can do anything". Those are just a few of the compliments that have been presented to Paul Scholes, the Manchester United legend who will turn 37 later this year. He is a role model to all footballers with his absolute professionalism and must be a joy to manage for Sir Alex Ferguson - never seeking the limelight, described off the pitch as "shy".

Despite his age, Scholes still has the defence cutting creativity and fantastic range of passing that has made him a regular starter at Old Trafford for the past 16 and a half seasons, which has enabled him to make 660 appearances and counting. It is no wonder therefore, that the United manager wants to hold onto him for as long as he possibly can, and with Scholes apparently still undecided over his future in football, Ferguson will be doing his best to persuade him to stay in the game.
Sir Alex said:

"I am more than hopeful about Paul signing another contract."

"I think he should.

"His fitness isn't in question. I think Paul feels he has to play all the games.

"It is not a bad thing to be that way but at his age, that is impossible.

"But he can still play a big part for Manchester United, this season and next."

It is unsurprising that the Manchester United manager is desperate to keep Scholes in the red of United, because in the current transfer market climate, he won't find another player of Scholes' calibre going on the cheap.

The current midfield isn't exactly full of developed top quality players; Michael Carrick is in an unfortunate long spell of bad or inconsistent form, while Darron Gibson is constantly under pressure to impress due to constantly being used as a scapegoat by some fans after poor team performances. Anderson was beginning to shine after some injuries but has suffered another injury which will rule him out for a little while - so what will his form be like when he gets back?

United have been linked to several midfielders as they scour the globe to find a replacement for Scholes, including Nuri Sahin, Steven Defour and Marek Hamsik - all would cost at least over £10 million, with the highest valuation being around £35 million for Hamsik.

Perhaps it would be better to give some young players from the reserve team a go - there are certainly some talents in there, with Tom Cleverley, who was on loan at Wigan and Paul Pogba impressing. Pogba may be too young at the moment, but I would like to see more of Cleverley, but it looks very possible that Ferguson will be looking for a new play maker in the market this summer.

Either way, it would be better for United if they could keep hold of Scholes for another season, and even if he doesn't play every game, he will still have a big impact on the squad with the example he sets and has set since his first appearance for the Red Devils.