Michael Carrick Given Guard Of Honour In Final Career Game

United went into their final game of the season against Watford assured of second place and with one eye on next weekend’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Manchester United’s hopes of competing with Manchester City for next season Premier League title has already received a major blow…more than three months before the season even kicks off.

United’s dominance eventually paid off in the 34th minute as Michael Carrick’s long ball found Juan Mata, who showed great control before setting up Marcus Rashford for the simple tap-in. Carrick’s 464th appearance for United ended in the 85th minute when he left the game to a huge ovation.

In the first half, Romero faced a header from Watford from point blank range.

It has taken Nemanja Matic’s arrival to remind people what they first loved about Carrick and it’s no surprise that Matic’s handsome consistency also went under the radar after the first month.

Martial was due to start the Premier League’s final fixture of the season as the Portuguese tactician himself had stated and while the reason behind his absence is an injury suffered in training, fans aren’t having it. “Thank you for your support over the last 12 years”.

“It’s hard to believe it’s not Scholes”, chorused Old Trafford throughout, “it’s Carrick don’t you know”.

Carrick wasn’t the only one saluted in song. Alexis Sanchez, who might also have sat out had Anthony Martial not pulled out injured, had United’s first chance but sliced wide from Mata’s cross.

Booked: Rojo, Young, McTominay, Shaw.

Subs not used: Bachmann, Prodl, Lukebakio, Sinclair.

Mourinho said: “I will organise my coaching staff in a way where the assistant manager figure doesn’t exist”. Thanks for the memories Michael.

Fellaini (30), has rejected advances from the United camp over an extension due to financial factors.

Michael Carrick’s 464th and final Manchester United appearance – barring an unlikely run-out in the FA Cup final – featured a vintage moment via a sweet pass that created Marcus Rashford’s first-half victor.