Michael Carrick Proves He's Key to Manchester United's Revolution Against Stoke

OLD TRAFFORD, MANCHESTER — Marouane Fellaini's turnaround at Manchester United is steadily becoming one of the stories of the season. The Belgian midfielder added to his growing popularity at Old Trafford with a goal against Stoke on Tuesday night.

He almost became a laughing stock last season. He's closer to cult hero now. But while Fellaini was busy changing people's opinions against Mark Hughes' side, his midfield partner was doing what he's always done.

Michael Carrick is used to being in the shadows. It's the reason he's not won more than his 31 England caps. Quiet effectiveness doesn't get the pulse racing. But he's providing an invaluable calm to Louis van Gaal's midfield that was missing at the beginning of the season.

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Carrick missed the pre-season tour of the United States after damaging his ankle ligaments on Van Gaal's first day at Carrington. The operation he had to have to fix the problem meant he missed United's mixed start to the season.

But since returning to the team, United have played four and won four. It's their best run of form under Van Gaal. And it's no coincidence.

There are far more flashy players at Old Trafford these days. Kids queue up at the Megastore to get the names of Angel Di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Radamel Falcao on their shirts.

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There aren't that many wandering around on match days with 16 on their backs. Still, Carrick is becoming an integral part of what Van Gaal is trying to build.

Against Stoke, the 33-year-old went about his business in the understated way he always has.

There were no crunching tackles or flying blocks. There never are. But there was intelligent positioning in spades. There were plenty of uncomplicated passes to get United moving forward, along with well-timed interceptions.

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Van Gaal was missing Rooney and Di Maria against Stoke. He might yet be without them for the trip to Southampton next Monday. But the player he seemingly can't afford to lose at the moment is Carrick. 

He's the one midfielder able to get better players on the ball. United have some of the best in the world. But there's very little they can do if they don't see enough of the ball. Carrick's vision, and intelligence in possession, can get the best out of Van Gaal's fearsome forward line. 

United will only be successful this season is their best players play well. And Carrick is key to that.

Fellaini stole the headlines with his goal against Stoke, the type of back-post header he became famous for at Everton. It's to be expected. After all, he looked to be on his way out in the summer, and now he's one of the first names on the team sheet.

Not the very first, though. That honour still belongs to Carrick, the quiet cog in Van Gaal's rapidly improving machine.