Michael Carrick has helped turn Paul Pogba and Manchester United’s season around and merits new contract, Ray Wilkins tells talkSPORT

Michael Carrick HAS to be given a new Manchester United contract, according to Ray Wilkins.

The veteran midfielder is out of contract in the summer and has yet to open talks over extending his decade-long stay.

Carrick was only used sporadically by Jose Mourinho at the start of the season, but has been a regular in the starting XI since November and played a key role in United's upturn in form.

The 35-year-old says he will retire in the summer if Mourinho decides not to keep him on, but Wilkins insists he should stay put at Old Trafford.

"Michael merits another contract," said the ex-England international, who made 194 appearances in a five-year spell with United.

"When he came in this year, the side were struggling a bit. [Paul] Pogba wasn't really performing.

"As soon as he came in, he gave them something totally different. They had a serenity about their game, they started to move forwards at a good pace.

"His passing over short distance and long distance is superb. I just think Michael has to play."

Carrick has helped United win five Premier League titles and a Champions League crown during his ten years at the club, which will be marked on June 4 as Old Trafford plays host to his testimonial. Read more about that here.