Manchester United: Michael Carrick agrees one-year contract extension

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal confirmed vice-captain Michael Carrick has agreed a one-year contract extension with the club.

England international Carrick, who was named in Roy Hodgson's latest England squad earlier in March for upcoming matches against Lithuania and Italy, was facing an uncertain future with his previous deal due to expire at the end of the season but he now looks set to remain at Old Trafford until the summer of 2016.

The former Tottenham midfielder moved to Manchester United from White Hart Lane in 2006 and has remained an influential member of the first-team squad ever since. This season, he has made 15 appearances in the Premier League after suffering a ruptured calf muscle in training prior to January's match against Leicester City.

"I am delighted that Michael has extended his contract," Van Gaal told reporters. "Michael is a great reader of the game and his exceptional versatility has enabled me to play him in different positions on the pitch. He is my vice-captain and I have been impressed by his professionalism both on and off the pitch. He is a great inspiration for any young player."

Carrick displayed a timely reminder of his enduring quality during the 3-0 win over Tottenham in Manchester United's last league outing, providing a wonderful assist for Marouane Fellaini's opener and also notching the second goal for Van Gaal's side with a powerful, well-timed header following a poor clearance from Nacer Chadli.

"It's fantastic to know that I can continue my incredible journey with this great club," Carrick said.

"We're all incredibly focused on getting the club back where it belongs & competing with the best teams in the world."

His vast experience will be particularly vital as fourth-placed United face a potentially tricky encounter with fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on 22 March.