Manchester United will allow 'under performing' Michael Carrick to leave

London, Jan 22 (ANI): Manchester United will allow Michael Carrick, who has just 18 months left on his contract, to leave by the summer, as there are no plans to offer him a new one.

Carrick, 29, had an inconsistent first half to this season and only a marked improvement will prompt a change of mind by the United management.

Boss Alex Ferguson increasingly sees Darren Fletcher and Anderson as his central midfield partnership for the future, The Sun reports.

Carrick has struggled this season as United, while remaining unbeaten, have only fleetingly found their very best form.

He has never grown into the player United envisaged after buying him for 14 million pounds from Tottenham in 2006.

Carrick has started 19 of United's 32 games this season and is determined to prove he is worth a new deal.

United take on Birmingham at home tomorrow as they aim to stay top with games in hand on their nearest rivals. (ANI)