Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has played down suggestions that he could be coming to the end of his career.
The 34-year-old was regarded as a key player for the Red Devils last season, with the team often struggling without him and losing just one of the 17 games he started.
However, he has struggled with injuries in recent times and now faces competition from the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin for the central midfielder berth at Old Trafford.
"At this stage, you just have to judge it year by year. Looking at the players who have been here in the past that is what they have done when they reached this age," the England international is quoted as saying by PA.
"They have gone year-on-year and played for a long time. At the moment I feel fine and great, it just depends how it goes. We have brought in some really good players this summer. There has always been that competition in the squad.
"There always has been even though people have been talking about buying a midfielder for many a year. There is always competition. That is what brings out the best in players. It has done over the years and I'm sure it will this season."
Carrick has been with United since 2006, making 380 appearances in all competitions for the club.
Barney Corkhill
