Michael Carrick has given Manchester United a big lift ahead of their clash with arch-rivals Liverpool by signing a new one-year contract at Old Trafford . The England midfielder has emerged as a key figure under Louis van Gaal despite missing the first two-and-half months of the season with an ankle injury sustained in the Dutchman ’ s first training session last summer . Van Gaal has made Carrick his vice-captain and the midfielder ’ s impressive displays culminated in him creating the opening goal for Marouane Fellaini in last weekend ’ s 3-0 win at home to Tottenham before scoring himself with a rare headed effort . Michael Carrick has signed a new one-year deal at Manchester United . Carrick has made 17 appearances for Manchester United this season . The 33-year-old , who joined United from Spurs for £18.6million in 2006 , was due to be out of contract in the summer but the club have exercised an option to extend it for another 12 months . Speaking at his weekly press conference ahead of Sunday ’ s trip to Anfield , Van Gaal said : ‘ He is important . He can read the game as a player on the pitch so he can coach during the game but he can improve that , I think . ‘ And he is also a midfielder who can play the ball forwards and that I like because our aim is always passing the ball more forwards than sideways or backwards . Carrick has won five Premier League titles with Manchester United as well as the Champions League . Carrick joined Manchester United from Tottenham in 2006 for £18.6m . ‘ And he is my second ( vice ) captain , he is an important man for my selection . ‘ Wayne Rooney is my first captain and Michael Carrick is my second captain and that say enough what I think about those players . ‘ Wayne Rooney is Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick is Michael Carrick . These are different people . ’
Michael Carrick has signed a new deal keeping him at the club until 2016 . Carrick joined Manchester United from Tottenham in 2006 for £18.6m . Carrick scored in the two-0 win over former club Spurs at the weekend .