16 - Michael Carrick Profile

The arrival of Michael Carrick at Old Trafford in the summer of 2006 ended a long pursuit of the highly-rated midfield by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

He had been keeping tabs on the Geordie midfielder since his West Ham days and finally got his man when Spurs accepted a bid of ?14 million, rising to ?18 million on certain conditions, in July 2006.

A product of the famous Wallsend Boys Club in Newcastle, which had produced such stars as Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley, Carrick began his professional career at London club West Ham United. Having previously played as a centre-forward during his Wallsend days, he was converted into a central midfielder by West Ham.

He was a part of the Hammers impressive Youth Team that thrashed Coventry City 9-0 in the FA Youth Cup final, grabbing two goals in the process. After making his debut for the Hammers in a 3-0 win over Bradford City in August 1999, he was twice sent out on-loan during the 1999/2000 season, to Swindon Town and Birmingham City.

The following season saw him break into the Hammers first team squad to become a regular starter for the club and also pick up a nomination for PFA Young Player of the Year. The 2002/2003 season was a difficult one for Carrick which saw his appearances restricted by injuries and eventually led to West Ham's relegation from the Premiership.

Unlike several of West Ham's other players, Carrick decided to remain at Upton Park despite dropping into the Football League. He helped the club to gain a place in the play-offs but the club lost the final 1-0 to London rivals Crystal Palace.

With Carrick keen to return to the Premiership as soon as possible, he moved across London to Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of ?2.75 million. He enjoyed two successful seasons at Spurs under manager Martin Jol, increasing his reputation as an excellent passer. After impressive peformances in England's build up games before the World up in 2006, he joined Manchseter United in July 2006.

Wearing the number 16 shirt previously worn by United legend Roy Keane, Carrick has a difficult act to follow. Although regarded as a different type of midfielder to Keane, United fans will still be hoping he can have the same positive effect on the team that Irishman did for the previous ten years.

• Carrick won't dwell on draw

  Michael Carrick believes Manchester United were unlucky not to be awarded a late penalty against Newcastle on Tuesday night but has urged his team-mates to move on from the goalless stalemate and focus on the next game.

• Carrick hails United belief

  Michael Carrick feels Manchester United's dogged belief has been key in helping them drag points from the most unpromising situations this season.

• Carrick ready for Marseille

  Michael Carrick is ready for the 'buzz' of the UEFA Champions League again ahead of Manchester United's trip to Marseille.

• Carrick hails 'special' Berbatov

  Michael Carrick was delighted to see Dimitar Berbatov explode back into life on Saturday.

• Carrick admits injury error

  Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has admitted he made a mistake in trying to play through the pain of an Achilles injury.

• United to offer part exchange for Rodwell

  Manchester United are ready to make Everton a £10 million offer for young midfielder Jack Rodwell, with Michael Carrick also included in the deal

• Carrick admits frustration

  England midfielder Michael Carrick knows he must play the waiting game as he bids to force his way back into Manchester United's starting XI.

• Carrick still up for England duty

  Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has no intention of calling it quits with England.

• Carrick retains title belief

  Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits the damaging 3-1 defeat to Everton shocked his side - but insists the champions still believe they can retain their crown.

• Carrick stunned by red card

  Michael Carrick admits he was 'shocked' to be sent off at the end of Manchester United's 3-2 win over AC Milan.