Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his regret for never having signed Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick.
The 35-year-old celebrated 10 years at Old Trafford on Sunday with a testimonial in front of a crowd of 70,027 fans.
Carrick has signed a new one-year contract extension at United having been linked with a switch to Arsenal at times during his later years.
The West Ham youth product would have proved a tough acquisition for Wenger ever since he joined Tottenham in 2004, moving on to join Sir Alex Ferguson’s United side two years later. However the Frenchman wishes he had been able to work with Carrick.
“I give Michael my deepest congratulations for his testimonial,” Wenger told the Arsenal website. “I think he deserves it hugely.
“I would say personally I’m an admirer of his career, of his quality. One of my regrets is never having had him as a player because I think he was one of the greatest players in English football.
“I believe as well that he did not always get the reward and the tribute, the recognition he deserved.
“But I’m an admirer of Michael and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Carrick scored the equaliser at his testimonial, which ended 2-2, eight minutes before full time and departed Old Trafford to a standing ovation.
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