Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Michael Carrick has taken over the influential midfield role at the Red Devils from Paul Scholes.

Carrick has been in excellent form this season for United, helping them top the Premier League table.

The 31-year-old has been mooted for several awards due to the quality of his performances in the campaign.

"The fans had Scholesy to drool over for years, but Michael has taken up the baton and done well," Ferguson told the club's official website.

"I don't pay too much attention to these awards. If he is recognised by us and recognised by the fans - you hear them now singing about Michael all the time - that satisfies him much more than an award."

United face off against Manchester City in their derby clash later today.