Calm is the word most used about Michael Carrick by people at Manchester United. Outwardly at least, nothing knocks him out of his stride. Take Thursday for instance.
During extended chats with the UK media, one journalist asked, pointedly and with persistence, about realistic targets for the season ahead and questioned the club's willingness to spend enough to achieve them. What Carrick privately thought about the questions, or the manner they were asked, is unclear. But seeing him navigate them was fascinating.
There was no sign of discomfort or irritation as he sat and spoke. Carrick remained relaxed and polite but, without hesitation, answers reduced from their previously expanded form to single sentences, questions were asked in response to questions. Points already outlined were restated.
Then, as the chat switched to other topics, unflustered, Carrick switched back to the in-depth answers from before. It was almost like Carrick as a player. Take the ball in tight spaces, be aware of the danger, keep composed and move out of trouble.
There are a lot of positives for Carrick to take from a pre-season of five weeks and six games. Two wins, two draws and two defeats might look average, but the benefits are clear. There is huge potential in midfielder Andrey Santos for a start.
One of three players - Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were the others - to start every game, the 22-year-old, £48m summer arrival from Chelsea impressed with his ability to rotate the ball, his positional discipline and communication. Like Carrick himself, there is an assurance about Manchester United's other major signing, Youri Tielemans, that should spread through the team. There are already signs his link-up with skipper Bruno Fernandes could prove productive.
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