United Tracked Carrick At Wallsend
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Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan has revealed that Michael Carrick was on Manchester United's radar prior to his West Ham United days.
Wallsend is a town in north Tyneside that derives its name due to the location of Hadrien's Wall. Michael Carrick had left the area prior to making the cut as a Hammer when he was 17.
According to Sir Alex Ferguson's right hand man Mike Phelan, Michael Carrick was on Manchester United's radar as a teenager, before West Ham snapped him up in 1998.
Phelan admits the timing did not feel right, but two loan spells together with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur and two good playmaking seasons later, the timing was right and the Red Devils eventually got their man in 2006.
Regarding the 27-year old's early talents, Phelan told the club's official website: "Michael was identified before he was at West Ham.
"But West Ham got in there quick. We saw him young and always admired his talent - the timing never fell right," he said.
"Around the time we signed him, we wondered whether to go for a defensive midfielder or one who could set the play rolling, and Michael fell into that category. We targeted him as a player who fitted into our grand scheme.
"He gives a feeling of well-being within the team," he added.
"Where other players might want to rush, he takes his time. He can take the sting out of the game, and also keep the pace of it up. It’s his control, attitude and way of thinking.
"He’s learned a lot through playing with good players, and being at a club that is constantly striving for more. He’s a winner, and he wants to be the best midfielder in the country."