Michael Carrick could be considered one of Manchester United’s ‘elder statesmen’. He’s made 459 appearances for the club over the ten years’ he’s been at Old Trafford.
Five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and three League Cups medals aren't to be sniffed at. Not to mention victories in the Champions and Europa League. It makes for a pretty impressive trophy cabinet.
It’s earned him a deserved testimonial from United, which is set to take place on Sunday afternoon.
For the match, it’s set to be a Manchester United 2008 XI – the side which won the Red Devils' most recent Champions League – and a Michael Carrick All-Stars selection.
And boy do they mean All-Stars. Carrick has invited plenty of his former teammates and opponents for a star-studded kickabout.
65k tickets have been sold...I can't wait! https://t.co/DioShbBvTu @_MCFoundation @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/yTi62H6Urv
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) May 31, 2017
Three Irishmen appear in the All Stars squad. Shay Given lines out in goals, with Damien Duff a part of the midfield selection. Up front, Robbie Keane is alongside Eidur Gudjohnsen and Michael Owen.
The United XI is (naturally) being managed by Alex Ferguson. It’s got the likes of Edwin Van Der Sar, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville pulling on the United jersey once more.
Given, Duff and Keane are joined by the likes of Jamie Carragher, Clarence Seedorf, Eric Abidal and Steven Gerrard. Birmingham boss Harry Redknapp is stepping in as their manager for one night.
All proceeds from the match will go towards Carrick’s chosen charity, the Michael Carrick Foundation. The new charity focuses on young people and their development.
Despite being linked with moves away from United for the last couple of seasons, Carrick looks destined to finish his career in Manchester.
If these lineups are anything to go by, his testimonial is sure to provide plenty of entertainment.
