Michael Carrick wont shirk his duties as Uniteds key playmaker, despite the return of ginger magician Paul Scholes

Carrick challenges Samir Nasri during the FA Cup clash at the Etihad Stadium

Michael Carrick stepped up to the plate as Uniteds main midfield playmaker after Paul Scholes retirement and he wont be relinquishing the role despite the return of the Reds legend.

Injuries at the start of the campaign hampered the 31-year-olds efforts to get his teeth into the post-Scholes era.

But since November, Carrick settled into his task and began running the show for the Reds.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson issued orders for the Geordie to become the pivotal player in the champions engine room as his midfield was beset with Darren Fletchers illness and injuries to Tom Cleverley and Anderson.

Carrick took up the gauntlet and has bossed the job, earning a tribute from Fergie who described his performances as outstanding.

Relish

Following Scholes shock U-turn last weekend, when he dusted off his boots again following eight months in retirement, Carrick has got his old mucker back but hes still going to relish being a senior figure.

I havent changed as a player. But maybe as you get older and gain more experience that brings more responsibility, said Michael.

Youre looked at slightly differently and thats fine, Im comfortable with that. Its a great place to play. Its the way Ive always played. Im not going to change because situations change.

Youve got to do what youre good at and keep improving. I enjoy the responsibility and as you get older maybe the younger players look at you in a different way. Im happy with that.

Carricks run of form as the Reds central figure was interrupted when the injury plague that has dogged the Reds this term switched to the defence. Nemanja Vidics ! cruciate knee ligament injury forced the Serb out for the remainder of the season, Rio Ferdinand suffered a knock that kept him out over the festive period, Chris Smalling was confined to his bed with tonsillitis and Jonny Evans suffered a calf injury.

The pile up in the central defensive roles forced Carrick into an emergency role in the back four.

He answered Fergies SOS against Wigan and Blackburn, reviving a job hed done previously in 2009. I was enjoying it in midfield and playing well but helping out at the back is just one of those things youve got to do, he added.

Over the past two or three years, I seem to get the odd game at centre-half. Generally, its gone well. The Wigan game was obviously quite comfortable and we won well.

But the Blackburn game, we werent under any pressure and we felt wed win it, even at 2-0 down we thought wed win the game.

But one penalty and probably one mistake from me for the second goal then they scored the third goal and all of a sudden weve lost the game.

But changing positions is something youve got to deal with. Its a different mindset because youve got different duties to fulfil but thats just part of the game.

I dont really know to be honest why I have been the one to move to the back. But I dont mind. I havent got a problem with it. Its about doing what you can for the team.

I dont mind playing at the back but I dont want to make it too regular because weve got top centre-halves to come back. The quicker everyones back, the better.

Its important we get players back from injury, get players back in the right positions and get the consistency back of being a solid unit and defending well.

Carrick has been in international exile most of this season as Fabio Capellos England side booked their place at Euro 2012 in the summer.

The midfielder had been in the Italians 23-man squad for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 but ! didnt pl ay a single minute. He hasnt played any of Englands five matches this season and the last of his 22 caps won so far was 19 months ago in an pre-World Cup friendly against Mexico at Wembley in May 2010.

Capellos build-up to the European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine, and Englands first game in the tournament against France at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk on June 11, begins next month.

England play Holland in a Wembley friendly on February 29 and have two further warm- ups against Norway in May and Belgium in June.

Contenders

Capello has a formidable central midfield collection of contenders with Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry and Scott Parker all in the mix. Uniteds Phil Jones and Evertons Jack Rodwell are also possible candidates.

But Carricks form for United has prompted suggestions he could be recalled to stake a claim for the Euros.

But the midfielder hasnt been focusing on reviving his international career.

To be honest, its not something Ive thought about. Im just concentrating on playing here at United and playing well, said Carrick.

Whatever happens, happens. I havent been involved in the last few squads, so Im just concentrating on doing well here to be honest.

REDS starlet Ravel Morrison could be set to leave the club after talks over a new contract apparently stalled.

The 18-year-olds current deal expires in the summer. When asked to comment the club remained tight-lipped.

Morrison increased speculation about his future when he posted a comment on Twitter last night saying: No contract offer to talk about.

UNITEDS FA Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool will kick-off at 12.45pm on Saturday, January 28 at Anfield.

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