 Michael Carrick ( born 28 July 1981 ) is an English professional footballer who plays for Manchester United and the England national team . He is vice @-@ captain of Manchester United . Carrick primarily plays as a central midfielder , but he has been used as an emergency centre @-@ back under Alex Ferguson , David Moyes and Louis van Gaal . At the time of his move to Manchester United , distinctive features of his play included his inventive distribution of the ball along with his passing and crossing abilities . 
