Premier League managers see Michael Carrick as Manchester United's prime playmaker.

The Geordie has taken on the mantle this season from Paul Scholes.

"What Carrick does looks easy and simple and it isn't," one Premier League coach told the Daily Mail.

"To take the ball where he does, you need courage and technique and two good feet. You need to be available in all areas and to have the awareness of what is about you.

"He always looks like he is in space but that's because his touch is so good and also because opposition players are scared to press him.

"If you press him and don't get there bang on time, he will be past you with one touch or one pass and you are out of the game. So players tend to stand off him.

"He has taken over the Scholes mantle and that's the highest compliment you can pay him."