STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 24: Michael Carrick of Manchester United celebrates with the trophy during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

The Manchester United veteran midfielder claims to have learnt plenty from the legendary winger who played until his 40s. Can Michael Carrick do the same?

The playmaking Englishman is currently 35 years old and despite his age has extended his stay at Old Trafford for another season. Many expected the previous season to be Carrick’s last but it appears he won Jose Mourinho over during his first season in charge of Manchester United.

Speaking to Sky Sports on when he plans to retire, Michael said, “I haven’t got an age in mind really, I need to just take it year by year,”. Having made 38 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions, it seems like Carrick still has plenty to offer.

The Rolls Royce midfielder has taken inspiration from former Red Devils saying, “”I have learnt a lot off of Giggsy and the likes of Scholes and Gary Neville, who went on to play until their late 30s.”. If so then perhaps the fans will see Carrick at Manchester United for longer than just next season.

“I have been lucky enough to see that close to waters and I have taken things from that and tried to learn from it.” said the former Premier League and Champions League winner. “It might take me as long as Giggsy [to retire], but I’m not too sure.”.

However, Michael isn’t looking to rest on his laurels just yet and is determined to push his team forward, “A club like Manchester United needs to be in the Champions League and challenging for that trophy. You want to be playing at the top and challenging the best teams.”.

If the next season is to be his last then Carrick thinks there’s more on the horizon for himself and Manchester United, “We are looking up and we are looking to achieve something this year and win more trophies.”.

Speaking of last season season however, the maestro said, “It was a big way to finish to get the Europa League trophy with the added incentive of a Champions League spot. It gives us something to go at next season.”.

All in all, Michael Carrick might be under appreciated by other football fans but he’s loved and cherished by all Manchester United followers. A testimony during the summer was testament to that and long may his influence at Old Trafford continue. Would you back the composed midfielder to play into his 40s like Ryan Giggs?