Carrick: Sir Alex means so much to me

The legendary former Reds boss, who won an unprecedented 38 trophies during 26 successful years at Old Trafford before retiring in 2013, remains in intensive care after being admitted to hospital for emergency surgery after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Carrick, who played under Sir Alex for seven years, said he was ‘devastated’ to learn about his condition and, like everyone at the club, is hoping he will make a comfortable and speedy recovery.

“I was devastated,” the midfielder told MUTV, reacting to when he first heard of the shock news. “I got a text on Saturday evening and I couldn’t quite believe it. It didn’t really sink in. I was just devastated.

“It’s one of them where you start hearing different things which is quite dangerous and quite disturbing. I just stayed calm and spoke to a few people at the club to get a bit of a rundown on how he was doing."

Michael went on: “The whole world showed their support and I was just concerned about him, as an ex-manager and a friend – as he was to everyone. It was the effect he had on everyone. He means a lot to me, as he does to this club.

“It was a tough night on Saturday and we were waiting for some positive news. We were all praying for him and thinking of him, Cathy and the family. It’s a tough time for everyone but I’m thinking positive and hoping he will pull through."

As well as being uppermost in the thoughts of our own players, past and present, Sir Alex has been the subject of many warm and touching comments from other clubs, governing bodies and individuals in the beautiful game.

“It just shows you the mark of the man and the respect he had,” added Carrick.

“The whole football world is incredible but outside of that as well, from all corners of the globe and different walks of life, people have shown their support. That’s the effect he had on people.”