Michael Carrick

I think the problem, assuming he doesn't play that well this season, is we'll have two experienced players that don't really offer much on the pitch, but a lot off it in Carrick and Fletcher. There's only room for having one experienced guy in midfield, so it wouldn't be at the cost of quality depth. If Carrick played in another position, like CB, it would be less of a problem. Saying that, I do think Carrick will prove useful this season, so there won't be a straight choice between him and Fletcher for now.

Worrying how reliant we are on him.

I think Blind did better in the 2nd half. It was just the 1st half he was abysmal and was unfortunately decisive as well. His positioning relatively improved in the 2nd half. I think it could be because he wasnt played in that role for long.

So Blind still looks the one who can take up that job from carrick. He need to play more games in the role. Perhaps next season against smaller teams. I dont like the idea of buying a De Jong now just to fill in the role.

Gundagon I believe is not a no.6 right ? So in the long run if gundogan is brought it could well be him, blind and herrera that midfield. Getting someone like Schneiderlin would be counter productive now. Carrick still have at least a season and a half left in him.