[PA Wire]
TWELVE years, 464 appearances and 13 trophies. Michael Carrick’s playing career came to an end as he captained Manchester United for the final time against Watford.
Both sets of players formed a guard of honour as Carrick made his way out of the tunnel and into the Manchester sunshine for the final time as a player in United’s 500th Premier League game at Old Trafford.
The 36-year-old will join United’s coaching staff from next season with the possibility of even becoming assistant to Jose Mourinho after Rui Faria, who has worked alongside the Portuguese manager for over 17 years, announced he is leaving the club to become a manager himself.
As football grapples with overloaded calendars and commercial pressure, the Mariners’ triumph reminds us why the game’s soul lives far from the spotlight, writes JAMES NALTON
