Michael
Carrick
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Appearances464
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Total goals24
Michael
Biography
Michael Carrick retired from playing at the end of the 2017/18 season, bringing the curtain down on one of the most distinguished football careers in the modern era.
The deep-lying midfielder had been named Manchester United club captain in his final campaign, following Wayne Rooney’s departure in the summer of 2017, and before that he was rewarded by the club for his services with a testimonial.
Carrick was a pivotal cog in the United machine for over a decade, following his arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006. A lynchpin of the Reds’ engine room, he dictated play with his considered, refined style.
During his debut campaign of 2006/07, he carved out a formidable partnership with Paul Scholes and began to mature into one of English football’s most sophisticated and classy passing midfielders, quickly bagging the maiden honour of his professional career with the Premier League title.
A calming influence and the master of the interception, Carrick went on to become a fixture in United’s side for seasons to come, even filling in at centre-back at times, illustrating his versatility.
The 2012/13 campaign was probably his finest in the red shirt as, alongside Robin van Persie, United’s no.16 was the crux of the club’s 20th league triumph. Carrick’s contribution occasionally stretched to spectacular goalscoring; however, in his primary role of screening the defence and probing well-drilled opposing ranks, he excelled and was rewarded with the Players’ Player of the Year award.
In the seasons since, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement from management, Carrick experienced a few difficult years with injuries, but when fit and called upon he continued to show United fans his undying class and commitment to the United cause.
In November 2017, Carrick revealed he had been experiencing an irregular heart rhythm which had required a medical procedure and had kept him out of action. Still an influential figure in the dressing room, he returned to the line-up in the early months of 2018 and completed 90 minutes in the Emirates FA Cup victories away to Yeovil and Huddersfield Town. He also came on as a substitute during a narrow Premier League defeat at his hometown team Newcastle United.
On 12 March 2018, the long-serving midfielder confirmed he would retire from playing and added that a role on Jose Mourinho's backroom staff would be his likely next step.
In preparation for this, he started to sit among the coaches on first-team matchdays and he duly took up his new coaching role in pre-season ahead of the 2018/19 season.
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Position
Midfielder
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Country
England
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Date of birth
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Joined
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United debut
v Charlton (A) League
Latest
Which retired Red can still cut it on the pitch? Article
Luke Shaw picks out a former player who he considers capable of playing in the Premier League now.
Goal of the Day: Carrick v Wigan video
Michael Carrick scored a late winner at Wigan on this day in 2009, taking us a step closer to title no.18…
Get up to date via our exclusive Carrick Q&A Article
We ask the United legend about training, his managerial ambitions, 'that' penalty in Moscow and much more.
Carrick reveals how training is stepping up video
Michael Carrick appears on today's MUTV Group Chat, providing news on the squad and recapping his glorious career...
Carrick reveals our biggest challenge Article
Michael explains some of the key issues facing the Reds ahead of a possible return to action.
Midfield Masterclass: Carrick x Robson video
Looking for expert insight with a side portion of banter? Watch our Midfield Masterclass from Carras and Robbo...
Carrick understands unsung status Article
Michael Carrick wonders if he could have been more attacking after being voted our most under-rated player!
How do you rate our current midfield? Article
You need to read how Michael Carrick and Bryan Robson answer that question in their fascinating Midfield Masterclass.
Carrick's five favourite England internationals Article
Michael Carrick makes some interesting choices as he selects his top Three Lions stars from over the years.
Unsung Reds: Mata makes a claim for Carrick Article
Juan tells us his former team-mate's talents would have been appreciated more, if he was Spanish.
Fans and ex-players join unsung Reds debate Article
We've formed a top starting XI from United history, based on the massive number of responses across social media.
Carrick's top team-mates XI Article
Our coach had a great career on the pitch but which players did he make the most appearances with?
Goal of the Day: Carrick v Roma video
On this day in 2007, Michael Carrick opened his European account for United with this absolute cracker...
'A night I'll never forget' Article
Michael Carrick reflects on the highlight of his career - our heart-stopping Champions League success in 2008.
Goal of the Day: Carrick v Tottenham video
Our ‘Goal of the Day’ is Michael Carrick’s measured header against Spurs, from 2015…