A Statistical Look At Why Michael Carrick Deserves A Contract Extension At Manchester United

Think of Michael Carrick and you instantly start to replay his remarkable range of passing that he possesses and has displayed on numerous occasions. Carrick was a huge reason as to why Sir Alex Ferguson was able to sign of his 27 year spell at Manchester United win the Premier League trophy, and he is apparently on the verge of signing a new two-year deal at United. Or so say the Metro, anyway.

And it’s thoroughly deserved, in my opinion. Last season Fergie played him in 36 games of the 38 and he created 37 chances. He sits in front of the defence and sprays balls into the wide positions, as well as knocking it forward to the creative outlets in front of him.

He completed 88% of his passes last season and averaged four defensive actions per game, as well as hitting the target with 50% of his shot. The latter is something that the United faithful feel he should carry out more often – he has a rocket of a shot on him but hesitates to pull the trigger in favour of a pass. He has hit the target with 100% of his shots this term and averaged seven defensive actions per game, while winning 12/15 of his tackles and 7/8 of his headers.

Does Carrick deserve an extended deal? More than anyone else in the squad, in my opinion.