Michael Carrick is battling for his future at Manchester United.

The News of the World says Carrick's career at United has stalled this season, one of a number of players blamed by Fergie for defeat in last season's Champions League final against Barcelona.

He has been on the fringes of the team in recent weeks, one of the scapegoats following defeat against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final.

Carrick is among a number of players at risk, under scrutiny after a season in the shadows at Old Trafford.

His £90,000-a-week wages, plus a huge image-rights contract, make it difficult to move him on, a high earner with a top-end transfer fee.