United midfielder not concerned about losing his place.
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Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick says he welcomes the arrival of Marouane Fellaini to the club, instead of fearing for his place in the starting lineup, Sky Sports reports.
Carrick has been an ever-present member of the United side for the last seven years, after arriving from Tottenham for around £18m in 2006, but has often come under some criticism from some fans for his less-than-spectacular midfield displays, even though his performances last season earned him a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award.
The 32-year-old is known for his ability to break up play and keep possession ticking along, rather than driving forward and scoring spectacular goals, and many fans felt a signing to bring some variety was needed in the side this summer.
Fellaini brings a more physical and attack-minded approach to United’s midfield, after some excellent displays for Everton last season, but Carrick insists the competition is a welcome for him.
“It’s something I welcome,” he said. “The more top quality players you have in your squad, whether it’s in my position or not, the better it is for the team.
“It’s not a case of me thinking ‘I might not be in the team’. I will have to play well to be in it, regardless.”
Fellaini was a deadline day signing for the Red Devils, costing £27.5m, bringing a long summer in which the club had been linked with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Daniele De Rossi and Ander Herrera, to an end.