Michael Carrick says he is happy to accept the added responsibility of being one of the more experienced players at Man Utd.
Man Utd midfielder has no problem taking on extra responsibility
Michael Carrick says he is happy to accept the added responsibility he has been given after becoming one of the more experienced players at Manchester United.
Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson has
heaped praise on the 30-year-old for being a key figure in their title challenge this season.
Carrick has enjoyed one of his best seasons to date and believes part of his improvement can be put down to becoming an elder statesman in the squad after the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Wes Brown and John O'Shea left the club last summer.
"Responsibility comes with experience and age is a big factor in that. There was a huge turnaround in the summer," Carrick said.
"The lads who left were all hugely experienced. The ones who came in, or back from loan, were younger.
Older
"All of a sudden I was seen as one of the older ones - and I am, I am 30 now.
"I haven't got a problem with that. You have to set an example to the lads coming through and keep the traditions of the club going. Hopefully I have done that."
Paul Scholes was another established name to quit Old Trafford at the end of last season but his return from retirement in January has led to an effective central midfield partnership with Carrick.
Carrick added: "It is great to have Paul back. I wouldn't say I missed him because you have to move on quickly but he is one of the greats of English football and to play with again is great.
"We have a good understanding and enjoy playing with each other. We have had some good games already this season and hopefully there are more to come."
