Ferguson: Carrick is filling Scholes´ shoes

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the form of Michael Carrick.

Ferguson described the midfielder as potentially “the pivotal player of our team” following the retirement of Paul Scholes.

Carrick has been in good form in recent weeks and Ferguson thinks the England international has seized Scholes’ mantle as the club’s leading playmaker in central midfield.

“Michael’s been one of our best players over the past few weeks,” Ferguson told reporters.

“He’s been instrumental in what’s happening to the team at the moment. He’s grabbed the nettle.”

“In some ways, he’s maybe seen the departure of Paul Scholes as his opportunity to be the main man in midfield.”

The 30-year-old has been criticised at times at Old Trafford, but Ferguson believes Carrick is coming back into his own and urged him to maintain his good form.

“It’s time Michael became the pivotal player of our team,” he said.

“We’ve always known he’s got that in him.”

“He’s a laid-back character – quiet and unassuming – but in different periods during his time here he’s shown his quality.”

“Now is the time for him to start a long period of dominating the centre of midfield like he has in the last few weeks.”