Michael Carrick takes over as Manchester United vice-captain from Darren Fletcher

Fletcher has played just 49 minutes since the end of August

Michael Hann Sport
Saturday 20 December 2014 14:17 GMT
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has replaced Darren Fletcher as the club's vice-captain.

The 33-year-old Carrick, who joined United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006, takes over as Wayne Rooney's deputy from Fletcher who was handed the role at the start of the season.

Scottish midfielder Fletcher has struggled for first-team opportunities, playing just 49 minutes since the end of August.

"I have three captains," manager Louis van Gaal said. "You have a sequence: Wayne Rooney is one, Carrick is two, Fletcher three.

"He brings a lot of experience but also a lot of composure. He can transfer my philosophy on to the pitch."

Third-placed United travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in