“I Love Playing For Utd” Carrick.
July 22, 2008
Despite Michael Carrick impressing at club level and playing some of his finest football in 2007/08, the 26-year-old hasn’t featured for the Three Lions since Steve McClaren selected him to play Germany in a friendly at Wembley on 22 August, 2007.
“I just put it to the back of my mind,” Carrick shrugged at Monday’s press conference in Durban. “I’m here to do my best for United and that’s what I love doing.
“If I can get in the England squad then that’s great, but I can only put in my performances for United and see how far that takes me.”
Sir Alex admitted he had sympathy for Capello. After all, he said, England is blessed with talented central midfielders.
“Over the last few years, all the England managers – Sven-Goran Eriksson, Steve McClaren and now Fabio Capello – have had more options in central midfield than in any other position.
“You’ve had Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, Hargreaves, Carrick, Cole and now Barry… it’s very difficult to say what the best midfield is.
“Of course we want United players to be recognised for their abilities, and I think Michael’s done that, but I have no gripes about him not being picked. Fabio has a very difficult choice.”
