Carrick Won't Be Sold

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos revealed he would love to buy back Michael Carrick from United, for a fee reported to be 18m.

Now, it would one of the most ridiculous transfers of footballing history. Spurs let go of Carrick because he was eager to join Manchester United and because Sir Alex identified him as a player who could bring some much-needed stability to central midfield.

His price tag was roundly ridiculed but then he answered by playing an essential part in our title-winning campaign. Many say he's not really good but that shows only lack of football knowledge. He's not spectacular like Ronaldo (dribbling and running at frightening pace) or like Roy Keane (whose tackles and presence were spectacular enough) but his solid passing and wonderful awareness brought a lot to the team even though there are people who will never recognize this.

He would certainly be a blessing for Spurs but I simply can't see any reason why we would sell him even though Hargreaves is impressive and Anderson's emergence has provided us with embarassment of riches in central midfield. But Carrick offers us greater variety. He might be vital against teams who park the bus at Old Trafford as his defence-splitting passes can find the way through the most crowded areas. His positioning is superior to even Owen Hargreaves so his future contribution may be huge even though injury has disrupted his season so far.

So I think Fergie will want to keep him, after showing remarkable faith in him in the first place. And what about Carrick? Will he trade Champions League football for struggling in mid-table? I don't think so. He's intelligent enough to realise that though he might no longer be automatic first-choice in central midfield but the season is very long and with all the injury problems we have he's bound to play a lot of games. And it's only down to him to show he can still do a job... but we should never deny his abilities are there: after all, the quarter-final against Roma was only seven months ago...

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