Mourinho wants new deal for Carrick

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is set to offer veteran midfielder Michael Carrick a new one-year contract at Old Trafford.

Carrick, a mainstay of the United midfield for ten years following his £18.6 million signing from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2006, was handed a 12-month deal at the end of May but barely featured in the opening matches of this season's Premier League campaign.

However, the former England international started the 3-1 win at Swansea before the international break, and Saturday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Carrick has started six matches in all competitions this season, with Saturday's draw the only game United have failed to win.

"Michael is 35 years old," Mourinho said.

"It is very sad to know that time flies for every one of us. 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."

The Portuguese also confirmed that captain Wayne Rooney was not dropped for the match against Arsene Wenger's team for disciplinary reasons, but because he wanted faster players like Juan Mata, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in attacking positions against the Gunners.

However, Rooney, who was all over the newspaper front pages this week after being pictured at a wedding party in the early hours of the England team hotel following the World Cup qualifying win over Scotland, did come off the bench after 63 minutes against Arsenal.

"I thought we were going to have the ball," Mourinho continued. "Arsenal are a team who let the opponents play.

"I thought we would have space and the ball would arrive quite easily to the attacking players.

"I believed ones like Mata, Martial and Rashford were faster than Wayne, better attacking opponents one to one in the last line. I thought it was the best option."

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