CARR DEALER

MOURINHO HINTS RETIRING LEGEND COULD HAVE SAY ON NEW PLAYERS

JOSE Mourinho has hinted he could consult Michael Carrick on United’s midfield signings in the future.

Carrick, 36, captained United in his 464th and likely final appearance for the club after 12 years and was treated to a standing ovation as he was substituted in the 84th minute.

The United midfielder is retiring at the end of the season but has already joined Mourinho’s coaching staff and will officially begin his coaching role on the club’s pre-season tour in the US in July.

United confirmed on Saturday Mourinho’s assistant Rui Faria would leave at the end of the season to bring a 17-year working relationship between the Portuguese to an end.

The Reds could sign two central midfielders in the summer if Marouane Fellaini leaves the club on a free transfer and Mourinho was asked whether Carrick could have a say in his transfer plans this summer.

“No, at the moment he is my assistant,” Mourinho said.

“He participates in the process and participating in the process means participating in every aspect.

“And of course I have to make the decisions but of course my assistants have an opinion and he has, obviously in relation to his position. A different vision than any other opinion than you can have from any scout or analysis department.”

In his farewell speech, Carrick said: “It was a big day. I was a little bit tired at the end. It’s an emotional day. This morning it hit me a little bit. I was fine once I got here but in the hotel before I left, it was mixed emotions.

“It’s not a sad goodbye by any means, I’ve got a lot to look forward to. It was nice to play and win, the reception was very special. Being out there with the kids is something that you always cherish.

“I’m looking to create more memories on the other side of the fence with Jose and his staff and bring success back to this club. The reception was incredible.”