Some rumors are going around that manager Roberto Martinez may be interested in soon-to-be available midfielder Michael Carrick when his contract is up this summer with Manchester United. The 35 year old is another defensive midfielder capable of running the game, but interest in him raises the question of how many strong defensive pivots does this squad need.

Already having Gareth Barry under contract for next season along with James McCarthy and Muhamed Besic makes me curious if this interest is real. Combine that with new financial investment and perhaps targeting an older midfielder isn't in the plans.

Interestingly, Louis van Gaal has used Carrick as an emergency centerback just like Martinez has resorted to with Barry.

It's very unlikely Carrick makes any deal with United before his contract ends, but hopefully Everton is not his landing spot during the summer. Replacing a 34 year old Osman with a 35 year old Carrick is not what this team needs to improve on a poor showing this season. They need talent on the back end and a true number one keeper in my opinion. If any of the talent is sold they will need to spend big to replace those spots as well.