Veteran midfielder, Michael Carrick, made his farewell appearance at Old Trafford during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Watford.
In his 12 years with the club Carrick won 12 major trophies, including five Premier League titles, but the 36-year-old has suffered an injury hit season this term which has limited him to just five appearances.
What’s the story?
However the player is set to continue his relationship with the club and will join up with Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff next season.
Carrick’s teammates, both past and present, have had their say on the veteran’s influence around the club’s Carrington training ground.
Young midfielder Scott McTominay, 21, who broke into the first team picture this season, hailed Carrick as a mentor figure, saying:
“There have been numerous times this season where he’s asked if I want to do a bit of training with him. I’m always champing at the bit to train with him and to listen and learn from him. He’s been incredible.”
While defender Chris Smalling, 28, has praised Carrick’s strong leadership.
“With Michael I think it doesn’t feel too weird that he’s going into the coaching because he is such our figurehead of the team.
“I mean, our team is getting younger and younger, but Michael is the standout leader of our team.”
Smalling added: “To see him stay with us and go into the coaching I think feels quite nice for all of us players, that there is a familiar face going into the coaching and someone we already looked up to massively anyway.” What next for Carrick?
The game on Sunday also marked Rui Faria’s final appearance at Old Trafford. Mourinho’s long-term assistant recently announced his impeding departure in pursuit of a No.1 job elsewhere and Carrick is reportedly being groomed for the role.
“I’m going to organise my coaching staff next season in a way where the assistant-manager doesn’t exist, I think it will be Michael Carrick in the future when he has his badges, his pro licence.”
“People think you can be a player one day, coach the next, but it’s not like that. Your brain can feel ready but you need the practice.”
Carrick previously revealed an ambition to go into management and the Champions League winner is excited to work under Mourinho.
‘I look forward to learning off him,’ said the United captain. ‘He is one of the very best. I am sure he will teach me a few things and certain we will have some success.’
AnalysisMichael Carrick has enjoyed a remarkable career with Manchester United and knows the ethos and ambition of the club inside out.In a similar dynamic to Louis Van Gaal and Ryan Giggs, Carrick can act as a mediator between past and present – ensuring that future teams developed by Mourinho adhere to the club’s style and pay homage to the club’s history.
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