Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been extolling the virtues of unsung hero Michael Carrick. The 30 year old has not always been that popular among the United faithful. However, when the Red Devils take on his former club Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, Carrick is virtually certain to be in the starting line-up.
"He is a quiet lad. He goes about his life in a similar way to Paul Scholes. It doesn't mean to say he is not recognised by us.
"You get players like that. Denis Irwin was much the same. He was not the type to trumpet his achievements.
"It is quite refreshing in the modern game that we have players who can rely on their ability not only by promoting or projecting themselves."
Where Ferguson and Carrick do have a difference of opinion is in the Scot's repeated claims that the midfielder comes into his own in the second half of the season.
"I know he disagrees but I always feel the second half of the season sees Michael at his best," said Ferguson.
"He is doing that at the moment. His form for quite a while now has been absolutely superb. He and Scholesy are a good partnership."
Being quiet has created the impression he lacks confidence, which Ferguson insists is not the case.
"Michael is mentally strong," said Ferguson.
"He has a different personality. That can be misread by a lot of people thinking he has to be encouraged all the time. That is not the case." "Michael is not a guy that seeks a lot of publicity," said Ferguson.
