Carrick signs new Man Utd deal

Manchester United F.C. midfielder Michael Carrick has put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2016.

Since returning from injury, the former England international has become a integral part of Louis van Gaal’s set-up, having scored in last weekend’s convincing 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Van Gaal expressed his delight with Carrick’s new deal, dubbing the 33-year-old midfielder his “second captain.”

“He is important because he can read the game as a player on the pitch, so he can cope during the game. He can improve that I think,” LVG said.

“He is a midfielder who can play the ball forwards and that I like because our aim is always passing the ball more forward than sideways or backwards, and he is a player than can do that and he is my second captain. He is an important man for my selection.

“I think every player has their own contribution. We don’t have to exaggerate things. Wayne Rooney is my first captain and Michael Carrick is my second captain. That says enough how I value these players.”

Carrick added: “It’s fantastic to know that I can continue my incredible journey with this great club.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my football and the team are progressing in the right direction under Louis van Gaal. We are all incredibly focussed on getting this club back to where it belongs and competing with the best teams in the world.”

LVG lauds Fellaini’s form

In other news, Louis van Gaal has praised the form of Belgium international Marouane Fellaini ahead of Sunday’s crucial English Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Fellaini, who bagged his fifth goal of the season against Spurs last weekend, has featured in United’s last six matches, and is expected to start at Anfield on Sunday.

“He has qualities that now, at this moment, he can contribute a lot,” Van Gaal said. “That is why he is playing. He also allows me to give balance to the team and that is important for a manager who is looking for balance. I think he has to play higher and higher up and Michael Carrick has to play deeper.

“I have said a lot of times at press conferences, for example he is a player that gives a solution for beating the pressing of the opponents. That’s also a contribution, he has more contributions but that is one of his contributions.”