Jose Mourinho: 'Michael Carrick knowledge will be invaluable'

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has said that Michael Carrick will be an "invaluable" asset to him next season.

Carrick had looked on course to leave Old Trafford after 10 years, but today signed a one-year extension to his contract that will keep him at the club until June 2017.

Mourinho was glowing in his praise of the 34-year-old and says that he is looking forward to working with the long-serving midfielder.

"Michael is a very intelligent midfielder and a great reader of the game," Mourinho told the club's website.

"I am pleased that he will be extending his contract. His form this year shows his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever.

"Michael has a wealth of experience from his many years at the club and that knowledge will be invaluable to me. I am really looking forward to working with him."

Carrick joined United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 and has since gone on to make 421 appearances for the club in all competitions.