The former Red Devils midfielder believes the 35-year-old was considered “inferior” to his illustrious former team-mates, but has been freed now they have retired
Michael Carrick has become the “main man” in Manchester United’s midfield now that he is free of the presence of illustrious figures alongside him, claims Ray Wilkins.
The 35-year-old is into his 11th season at Old Trafford, with a decade of service delivering plenty of reward. Carrick has tasted Premier League title glory and Champions League success, while taking his tally of England caps to 34.
He has had the pleasure of playing with some of the finest midfielders of the modern era, with Roy Keane and Paul Scholes among the best in the business. 
Wilkins, though, believes Carrick was considered “inferior” as he operated in their shadow and has only been able to show his true colours in the wake of their departure.
Wilkins, though, believes Carrick was considered “inferior” as he operated in their shadow and has only been able to show his true colours in the wake of their departure.
On a man enjoying a fine run in an in-form United side, Wilkins told talkSPORT: "Carrick is allowing [Ander] Herrera and [Paul] Pogba to play 30 yards forward "Michael Carrick is a wonderful footballer.
"When he first came in the United side you had the dominance of Scholes and Keane (before him) and Michael thought inferior to them. 
"But in this midfield three he is the main man."
"But in this midfield three he is the main man."
Carrick has been an underrated and undervalued performer throughout his career but is getting plenty of recognition at present. His return to the United starting XI is viewed by many as a major contributing factor to the reversal in fortune being enjoyed by the Red Devils.
Jose Mourinho’s side have collected four successive Premier League wins to force their way back into top-four contention, with Carrick a reassuring presence in the heart of a midfield that is finally playing to its true potential.
