Jose Mourinho hints at new Manchester United deal for 'fantastic' Michael Carrick

Jose Mourinho has suggested Manchester United are ready to offer Michael Carrick a new deal to continue at Old Trafford beyond the end of the current season. The Portuguese boss was full of praise for the 35-year-old midfielder after he completed his second Premier league start of the season during the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Saturday (19 November).

Carrick has been restricted to a secondary role in the last campaigns due a number of fitness issues. However, United still decided to hand him a new one-year- deal on June following the arrival of Mourinho to the club.

The England international has since only made seven appearances for United, with just three coming in the Premier League. But Mourinho has suggested that he still wants him to continue at Old Trafford ahead of the 2017-2018 after the veteran midfielder impressed during the draw at Arsenal.

"Michael is 35 years old. With such an intense game he was having some cramps in the last period, which is normal. It is very sad to know that time flies for every one of us," Mourinho said after the draw with Arsenal. "He is such a fantastic player and it is a pity, I always loved him, but instead of being his manager when he was 25 I am his manager when he is 35.

"We have a good understanding. We know when he can play. We know when he is ready and when he needs a rest. I am still having Michael Carrick and probably for one more season. That's life."

Carrick's position in front of the United back four allowed Paul Pogba to express himself in a more attacking role, forming an impressive partnership alongside Ander Herrera. Mourinho believes that the former Juventus star has finally adapted to the Premier League pace and is now ready to prove his real worth for United.

"He is adapting much better in relation to the intensity of the competition and he is much more confident," Mourinho said. "Obviously he plays with some guidelines over his position but at the same time with some freedom to occupy some attacking areas where he feels and thinks he can be important. He is comfortable on the pitch. That is the best way of saying it."