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Michael Carrick: Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson heaps praise upon Old Trafford favourite as he relives Tottenham transfer

Veteran midfielder looks set to continue for another year at Old Trafford as former boss hails his contribution over the years

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has heaped praise upon Michael Carrick after reliving the midfielder’s signing from Tottenham in 2006.

The 35-year-old is approaching the end of his Manchester United contract but it’s believed Jose Mourinho is ready to extend the veteran’s stay for a further year.

 Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise upon Manchester United icon Michael Carrick
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Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise upon Manchester United icon Michael CarrickCredit: PA:Press Association

Carrick will also have a testimonial held in his honour before the start of the next Premier League season, with United paying homage to his brilliant years of service.


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One man who knows Carrick better than anyone is former Red Devils boss Fergie, who spent around £18million to sign him from Tottenham as a replacement for Roy Keane.

And while the transfer turned out to be far from easy to complete, Sir Alex believes Carrick has been worth every penny.

 The veteran midfielder looks set to continue for another year at Old Trafford
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The veteran midfielder looks set to continue for another year at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press Association

Highlighting the midfielder’s determination and strength of character, Fergie explained: "From the minute we bought him, his character has always been absolutely outstanding.

"He’s a football man and that character, plus his ability, made him a certainty to be a big success here.

"When we were discussing him and were ready to make a bid, we were looking at his background and one of the things that stuck out to me was as a young boy, he went down to play for West Ham.

 Fergie reckons Carrick was born to play football due to his strong mentality
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Fergie reckons Carrick was born to play football due to his strong mentalityCredit: Press Association

"A 16-year-old kid going way down from Newcastle to east London – that’s a trek, and it epitomised to me the confidence the boy had in himself. That impressed me.

"I must say negotiations were very difficult and went on for ages. I always remember I thought it was done and [former chief executive] David Gill phoned me on the golf course to say they want more. Typical [Spurs chairman] Daniel Levy!

"It was very hard to negotiate but, at the end of the day, we got it through and, ever since he joined us, he’s had a fantastic career."

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