Michael Carrick was one of the best players in England during his time at Manchester United; and one season I really thought he was the best of them all... so it is befitting that his much-hyped auto-biography 'Between The Lines' is just like him: honest; precise and absolutely brilliant.
You can tell the whole-hearted and honest endeavor of the player through his words here; and how he is that rare breed of a player almost 'too honest to go down' and one that prefers 'skill and silk' over 'rough and tumble'. And this book details his rise from nothing to greatness; from his young, innocent playing days; all through his professional career with West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Of particular interest is his detailed versions of how Alex Ferguson succeeded in that royal time at United; and how he was such an integral part of the team in those glory years; and then why it all went wrong for David Moyes; Louis van Gaal; and Jose Mourinho after that; these are fascinating insights that you just don't get from anywhere else.
He also talks with brutal honesty about his time with England; how he somehow did not enjoy and feel a part of the England set-up (contrary to how it seems from the outside); and how the relentless media pursuit and expectations of the nation combine to make succeeding with England 'The Impossible Job'. He also details his heartbreak at losing that never-to-be-forgotten Champions League Final against Barcelona in 2009 and how his life seemingly spiraled into heartache and depression after that.
A fabulous book. And utterly fitting for a player like him.
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