Michael Carrick wants to continue his Manchester United career beyond the end of the season when his contract expires, but admits that it is not something he is thinking about yet as the midfielder focuses on trying to force his way into Jose Mourinho’s first-team plan.

Carrick has had to make do with starts in cup and European competitions, having been included in just one Premier League starting line-up since Mourinho took over at the start of the season. The 35-year-old, who will turn 36 before the start of the 2017/18 campaign, has impressed in his appearances this term, but despite bringing a better balance and passing ability to the side he has been overlooked for the majority of Premier League matches.

His form could lead to a second consecutive start against Arsenal this Saturday when United welcome their rivals to Old Trafford, but when faced with questions about his future, Carrick was very realistic with his options and suggested he could leave when his contract expires, though it is too early to tell what the likely outcome will be.

“There's always a chance of that isn't there?” Carrick told Sky Sports when asked if he could leave United next summer.

“It is such a great club with great players, you can't take it for granted and thankfully I'm here this season and playing my part.

“Hopefully I can play more of a part in the months ahead, strive for success and try to get some sort of silverware, because winning trophies is why we are here.”

Mourinho appeared reluctant to play Carrick this season with options such as Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini deployed in midfield, but his impressive performance against Swansea last time out could see him retain his position in the starting XI.

Gary Neville's Manchester United team Show all 11 1 /11 Gary Neville's Manchester United team Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Goalkeeper:</b> David De Gea Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Right-back:</b> Antonio Valencia Expected return: 17 December vs West Brom Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Centre-back:</b> Chris Smalling Expected return: 17 December vs West Brom Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Centre-back:</b> Eric Bailly Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Left-back:</b> Daley Blind Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Central midfield:</b> Michael Carrick Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Central midfield:</b> Ander Herrera Herrera walks off the Old Trafford pitch after receiving a second yellow card Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Central midfield:</b> Paul Pogba Martial and Pogba scored a penalty each at Old Trafford Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Right midfielder:</b> Henrikh Mkhitaryan Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Left midfielder:</b> Antony Martial Getty Gary Neville's Manchester United team <b>Striker:</b> Marcus Rashford Getty

Carrick was subsequently put on the spot and asked if he wanted to stay at United, or if he has plans to continue his career elsewhere.

“Yeah, but I'm 35 now and I have to be realistic,” Carrick continued. “I'm not going to make predictions about what is going to be happening next season.

“We are not even at Christmas yet and I just want to play as many games as I can and see how I'm feeling, how the body is feeling.

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“That is the biggest gauge to see if I can still do it, if I feel I can still do it and the manager feels that.