The 31-year-old has won four league titles, one Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup and a Carling Cup under the greatest manager of his generation, who consistently hails Carrick’s quiet efficiency and tactical discipline as an integral factor in United’s success.
Yet he has just 22 caps in an international career that spans 11 years following his debut against Mexico in May 2001. A succession of managers obsessed with 4-4-2 plus the presence of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard rendered Carrick obsolete for long periods.
His lack of physical stature or obvious dynamism make him an easy target, particularly for United fans who desire greater power and creativity from the centre of their midfield, particularly when, for example, City have Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri.
Frustrated at his regular position among the supporting cast, Carrick distanced himself from international football in January but conversations with former United stalwart turned England coach Gary Neville and Hodgson have revived his passion.
Carrick has been made to feel wanted again — and having walked away because of a lack of playing time, it seems reasonable to assume he has been promised game time otherwise why return at all? — and Cleverley believes it is not before time.
“Sometimes maybe people don’t appreciate him,” he said. “A lot of clubs have those players who are massively important to the team but go under the radar a bit. But all the Man United players know how important he is to us and how much experience he has so we certainly don’t take him for granted.
“Yes, I’m lucky I have him, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who have played hundreds of games in their careers and can pass down advice to me.
“Carra is a fantastic player, one of the best players I’ll ever play with. Sometimes you need to see it first-hand with Michael to realise how good he is. The level of players in midfield must be good if he’s only won 22 caps. This country has had good midfielders in the centre. Hopefully the youngsters can develop into players winning 50 caps plus.”
Carrick has another chance on the international stage and, at the other end of the spectrum, Jack Butland is set for his England debut having yet to even play a Premier League match.
But the 19-year-old, who plays for Birmingham City in the Championship, has set his sights on challenging Joe Hart, who has been championed as England’s No1 for the next decade.
“I want to challenge him as soon as I possibly can,” he said. “Only one can play so my target for the coming years is to be as big a challenge as I possibly can.”
England v Italy, Stade de Suisse Wankdorf, Berne (8pm, tomorrow, live on ITV1)
