Michael Carrick discusses his Newcastle United dreams as a boy, and transfer interest as a player

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The Manchester United man was born in Newcastle and has constantly been linked to the Magpies down the years.

Manchester United’s Michael Carrick with Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has admitted that despite being a fan of Newcastle United since he was a child, the opportunity to play for his boyhood club has now passed, as reports MOTD Magazine, covered by the Newcastle Chronicle.

The 35-year-old has had an illustrious career with the Red Devils, winning every domestic honour there is to win while also claiming the Champions League title in 2008, but despite approaching retirement, doesn’t see a chance to represent his beloved Magpies in a playing capacity.

Carrick was born in Wallsend, which is in Newcastle Upon Tyne, yet despite being in the geographic encatchment area of the Magpies, the midfielder was signed by West Ham United and would later represent the Hammers, as well as Tottenham Hotspur, before moving to Old Trafford.

It’s mystifying that despite being in such close proximity, Newcastle didn’t feel Carrick would be a worthy prospect as a youngster – they’d have had ample opportunity to run the rule over him – and as a result they missed out on one of the best midfielders of a generation, with Carrick now in the mindset that he won’t play for another English side – even Newcastle – but ultimately, has no regrets.

Manchester United’s Michael Carrick

“No, I think (opportunity to sign for Newcastle) that’s passed now,” Carrick said to MOTD Magazine, as covered by the Newcastle Chronicle. “When I was a kid I was supporting Newcastle, I dreamt one day I would do but I count myself very fortunate to have played for Manchester United for so long.

“It’s just one of those things where you can’t have everything. If and when I finish here (Manchester United), that will probably be it I think. I’m not getting ahead of myself, I’ve been here for so long and I’ve enjoyed it, I won’t be playing for another club in England that’s for sure.

“I wouldn’t say it (moving to Newcastle) was a definite option, but there was certainly interest there, a discussion or two, but there was nothing really. It never got to a stage where a decision had to be made, it was just talks and nothing really happened. Its just one of them things, life throws up things but it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Manchester United’s Michael Carrick in action with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku

Despite his age, Carrick still has a lot of influence at Old Trafford, and has featured 27 times for Jose Mourinho’s side this season in all competitions, and it seems possible that he will extend his 11 year stay at United.

As for Newcastle, Rafael Benitez’s side are currently second in the Championship with just five matches left to play, and the Magpies seem set for a return to the Premier League at the first attempt – renewing the possibility of facing Carrick again if the 35-year-old remains with Manchester United.