As Manchester United turned in their most dominant display of the season against Tottenham on Sunday , the influence of one man can not be underestimated . Michael Carrick 's return to Louis van Gaal 's starting XI proved crucial at Old Trafford , and could be the turning point for United as they look to finish in the top four this season . He took less than nine minutes to stamp his authority on the game and show the Old Trafford faithful what they have so missed during his two months out . Michael Carrick ( second left ) heads Manchester United 2-0 up against Tottenham on Sunday . Carrick is congratulated on his goal by his United team-mates during the 3-0 win at Old . UNITED WITH CARRICK . P15 W10 D3 L2 . Win percentage : 66.70 % . Points per game : 2.2 . UNITED WITHOUT CARRICK . P14 W6 D5 L3 . Win percentage : 42.90 % . Points per game : 1.6 . With Daley Blind on the ball at left back and no Tottenham players covering a huge gap just in from the left touchline , Carrick burst forward to receive the ball before instantly playing a perfectly weighted pass for Marouane Fellaini to open the scoring for United . Ten minutes later Carrick had headed his side 2-0 up and sent them on the way to a vital win . But it was the composure and attacking intent that Carrick provided on Sunday that United have missed so much in recent weeks - something which was not lost on his manager . 'Michael Carrick is not my second captain for nothing . He is one of the best passers also , not only wide but also forward . We need midfielders who have that passing , ' said Van Gaal after the game . Indeed , with Carrick in the side United have picked up 2.2 points per game compared to just 1.6 without him . The club have won 66.7 % of the game the midfielder has played but than number drops to 42.9 % without the England midfielder . Daley Blind played at left back against Tottenham but has spent most of the season in central midfield . Ander Herrera ( left ) has impressed in midfield for United since signing from Athletic Bilbao in the summer . Marouane Fellaini ( left ) has been played in an advanced midfield role for United this season . Liverpool ( away ) - March 22 . Aston Villa ( home ) - April 4 . Man City ( home ) - April 12 . Chelsea ( away ) - April 18 . Everton ( away ) - April 26 . West Brom ( home ) - May 2 . Crystal Palace ( away ) - May 9 . Arsenal ( home ) - May 16 . Hull ( away ) - May 24 . In truth , nobody should be surprised . Carrick has been a mainstay of United 's midfield for years now , anchoring the side from a deep position . Whether his midfield partners have been of the necessary quality over the years is debatable , but with the likes of Ander Herrera and Blind - as well as the revitalised Fellaini - now available , Carrick should not have to carry the burden all by himself . At 33 , however , Carrick remains United 's main man . As well as Herrera and Blind have done in their first seasons in English football , neither have the authority or influence of Carrick . With trips to Liverpool , Chelsea and Everton to come too , Carrick 's big-game experience will also be key . With nine games to go , United will be hoping Carrick stays fit , because with him in the side , they have a much better chance of finishing in the top four .
Michael Carrick scored and set up another against Tottenham on Sunday . Midfielder returned to starting line-up for first time since January 23 . Man United average 2.2 points per game with Carrick and 1.6 without . READ our player ratings for Man United 's 3-0 win over Tottenham here . TL;DR