Australian club Perth Glory have admitted defeat in their pursuit of Michael Carrick after revealing that the England midfielder is close to signing a one-year contract extension with Manchester United. The A-League side are reported to have approached the out-of-contract Carrick last month with a view towards making him a marquee signing.

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Glory were hoping to capitalise on captain Richard Garcia's close friendship with the 34-year-old midfielder to lure him to Australia, but the club's chief executive dismissed the chances of the move happening.

"It was a long shot opportunity due to Richard Garcia's relationship with Michael," Peter Filopoulos told FourFourTwo.

The magazine claims Carrick will soon become the third United player – after Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – to sign a new contract since Jose Mourinho's appointment to the Old Trafford hot seat.

The defensive midfielder made 28 league appearances for United under Louis van Gaal last season, but his future at the club remained unclear at the end of the season.

Mourinho is understood to value Carrick's experience and his understanding of United's values and tradition.

'Contract extension agreed'

"Perth was an option for Michael Carrick as he was going through what he was going to do in his career had he not landed a new signature with Manchester United," Filopoulos said.

"We understand he's now secured an extension with Manchester United so that's off the table.

"It's certainly was an option to him and his family for lifestyle reasons."

Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick made 28 league appearances for Manchester United last season Getty

Carrick praised Mourinho as the perfect man to restore United to their former glory soon after the ex-Chelsea manager's appointment at the club was confirmed.

"Mourinho's track record speaks for itself. He's a good fit for the club and hopefully he'll do very well," he was reported as saying.

"I have to say it's sad to see anyone lose their job – the manager and staff – but good times are ahead."

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