Michael Carrick edging closer to Old Trafford exit as Manchester United stall on new deal

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick seems to be edging closer to the Old Trafford exit doors after admitting that the club are yet to make a contract extension offer. The England international has entered the final four months of his contract with the club and is yet to receive any intimation from the Red Devils hierarchy with regards to a possible new deal.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star, who joined United in 2006, and has been a key member of the squad under Louis van Gaal, is not in a hurry to decide his future. He has admitted that he is willing to wait until the end of the current campaign when he will be a free agent to decide his next move. According to the Mirror, Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the midfielder, and will make a move to take him to the Emirates Stadium if he leaves the Manchester club.

"Honestly, I don't know. There's no news at all. I've heard nothing really, so I can't comment at this stage," Carrick said after captaining United to a 3-2 win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday (28 February), as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

The 34-year-old midfielder has made it clear that his focus is entirely on getting United back to winning ways and putting a good run together before the end of the season. The 20-time English champions are facing the prospect of missing out on a place in the Premier League top four, as they languish in the fifth place, three points behind Manchester City, who have a game in hand over their local rivals. Apart from the league, they also have tricky matches against West ham United in the FA Cup quarter finals and against arch rivals Liverpool in the last 16 of the Europa League.

"Changes quickly, doesn't it? I think it changes both ways, we know that. This was a massive win for us, to put us back on a level footing, but Wednesday (against Watford) is even bigger now, and every game is going to be bigger now until the end of season and we've got to try to put a run together to really challenge the reams above us and go through in the cups," the Three Lions midfielder explained.

"But as time goes on and we get more bodies back fit, more strength in depth, we should be alright. It can change so quickly both ways. This was a big one for that, to keep us in touch, really."