Michael Carrick is the new captain of Manchester United, replacing Wayne Rooney.
The 35-year-old midfielder has taken over the armband from Wayne Rooney following the latter’s transfer to Everton on Saturday, at the end of his glittering 13-season career at Old Trafford.
Carrick offered his immediate reaction to the news while talking exclusively to MUTV in Los Angeles, where Jose Mourinho’s men are currently training as part of Tour 2017, presented by Aon.
“It feels great and it is such a huge honour to captain such a great club,” Michael told us. “It is my 12th year now and I came as a 25 year old. I never thought I could be here for so long and achieve so much.
“Now, to lead the boys and look after the young boys, to guide them in some ways, it is a nice thing and a real pleasure. I came to this club as a footballer and I am now a huge fan. I have grown to love the club over the years and to be in this position is very special for me.”
Asked what his captaincy style will be, having played under previous United skippers Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic and Rooney, as well as the likes of David Beckham, John Terry and Steven Gerrard with England, Carrick said: “I will just be myself, you can’t change and it is wrong to come into the role and then suddenly change, shouting and screaming at everyone, telling them what to do.
“I am not like that. I will speak when I need to speak, but I am quite laid back and chilled out really. I will try to lead by example.”
Carrick is the only current Manchester United player who has stayed with the club for the longest time.
