We know what a terrific footballer Michael is. He always had that ability to make a pass and open a defence. He’s developed physically and improved his defensive play tremendously.”

Sir Alex Ferguson

One of United's most consistent performers, Michael Carrick had another excellent season in the heart of the Reds' midfield...

Start to finish: The man who makes United tick had barely warmed up in September before breaking a bone in his foot, but he was soon back and in the form of his life. A mainstay of the 16-game unbeaten run of January to March, apart from making way for Ryan Giggs in the 3-0 defeat of Chelsea, he was widely praised by the media for his superb displays. Tiredness seemed to take its toll in the late-March dip in form, but it wasn't long before he was dictating play again with his vast array of passes.

In position: Every successful side is built on a strong spine – running from the goalkeeper to the centre-forward – and for Sir Alex, Carrick was very much the backbone of the midfield. Just as last term when he made 31 league appearances, and the one before when he put in 33, he was again one of the first names on the team sheet.

Season highlight: When Carrick's sweetly-struck, rising drive with his left foot hit the roof of Wigan’s net, it he had secured victory in the third to last game of the league campaign, and all but sealed the title.

Vital contribution: The playmaker’s greatest offering was his incredible consistency. Whether alongside Darren Fletcher – his main midfield companion – Anderson, Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes, the England international looked comfortable and in control.

Any lows? Cracked a bone in a challenge with Yossi Benayoun at Anfield and sat out for six weeks. A tactical change meant he was replaced by Giggs in the centre of the park for the visit of Chelsea. However, Carrick was back in the starting XI three days later against Wigan – and was an almost permanent fixture thereafter.

Any other business? Didn’t make the PFA shortlist for Player of the Year, but was surely as worthy of a place as his five colleagues.

Credit Manutd.com