Michael Carrick has been awarded a testimonial by Manchester United after 11 years with the club.
The midfielder has had a brilliant career with United, playing over 400 games and winning five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup and the Champions League.
Carrick signed for the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006, and the £18.6m United spent on the player has proven to be incredible value.
He inherited the number 16 shirt from Roy Keane, and while he could never have the same impact at Old Trafford as the Irishman, Carrick was an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, and will be extremely difficult to replace when he leaves.
Carrick’s testimonial will take place on Sunday, June 4, and the money raised from the game will go to charity.
The match will feature members of United’s 2008 Champions League winning team against an All-Star XI featuring the best footballers Carrick has played against during his career.
So, far, Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are confirmed to play for the United team. Wayne Rooney, the only member of that team, other than Carrick, still at United, will most likely play some part.
Frank Lampard and Michael Owen have, so far, been confirmed for the All-Star team.
United fans are hoping that Cristiano Ronaldo will return for the game, but the Real Madrid forward’s involvement has yet to be confirmed. According to the Manchester Evening News, Carlos Tevez has also been invited to play.
Carrick is out of contract at the end of the season, and there has been no word yet on whether the 36-year-old will be offered a new deal.
