 Carrick began his career at West Ham United , joining the youth team in 1997 and winning the FA Youth Cup two years later . He was sent on loan twice during his debut season , to Swindon Town and Birmingham City , before securing a place in the first team by the 2000 – 01 season . He experienced relegation in the 2002 – 03 season and was voted into the PFA First Division Team of the Year in the following campaign . He made more than 150 appearances for the Hammers , but in 2004 , he moved to rival London club Tottenham Hotspur for a fee believed to be £ 3 @.@ 5 million . He scored twice in 75 appearances , before moving to Manchester United in 2006 for £ 18 million . 
