The Rest Is Football trio Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards all reacted the same way when discussing one “unbelievable” former Manchester United star.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day Top 10, Richards, Shearer and Lineker revealed their rankings for the best midfield partnerships in Premier League history.
United legends Paul Scholes and Roy Keane were among the names that popped up, with the ex-midfielders both at the heart of Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams of the past.
Lineker and Shearer were in awe at Scholes’ world-class passing ability, with Shearer also adding that the ex-United star was a “nasty little so and so” on the pitch.
However, another one of Scholes’ former United teammates stood out for all the right reasons for Richards, Shearer and Lineker.
Shearer, Richards and Lineker on Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick was identified by Ferguson as Scholes’ ideal midfield partner at United after Keane’s departure to Celtic in 2005.
United finally landed Carrick, who is the current manager of Middlesbrough, from Tottenham in 2006 as part of a deal believed to be worth £18.6m.
The 42-year-old ex-United midfielder enjoyed incredible success during his prolific spell at Old Trafford, with Carrick successfully stepping up as a partner for Scholes.
Speaking on Match of the Day Top 10 (via BBC Sport), Shearer brought up Carrick’s name in the conversation and both Richards and Lineker reacted instantly.
“So was Michael Carrick, by the way. He was a fantastic footballer,” Shearer said.
Lineker added: “Michael Carrick was a lovely footballer. He really was.”
Responding to Lineker and Shearer, Richards said: “Unbelievable. Like Gareth Barry, wasn’t he? That sort of underrated, really good on the ball.”
Lineker and Shearer on Carrick getting credit he deserves
Following his move from Spurs, Carrick would see out the remainder of his club playing career at United and created a long-lasting legacy at Old Trafford.
The United cult hero lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Europa League, an FA Cup and two League Cups with the Red Devils.
Despite his success at United, Carrick was limited to 34 appearances for England and Rio Ferdinand was shocked at how his ex-club teammate didn’t earn more caps.
Lineker asked Shearer whether or not Carrick receives the credit that he deserves, despite his lack of international appearances for the Three Lions.
“Do you think he got the credit he deserved, Carrick, possibly? Internationally he probably didn’t,” he said.
Responding to Lineker, Shearer explained: “I think from people within the game. Not internationally, no. But from people within the game, they appreciated how good he was. Brilliant player.”
Lineker concluded: “Yeah, he certainly was.”