Carrick’s at end of the road

MICHAEL CARRICK’S Manchester United career looks to be in its final months after Jose Mourinho refused to confirm a new deal.

Carrick will be 36 by the time next season starts and while he has played a big role under Mourinho this season the United boss has hinted the midfield star is about to run out of time.

“Look, let’s be honest. I see many positive things in Carrick but I cannot go to his identity card and delete five years,” Mourinho said. “He is not 30, he is not 30.”

Carrick – out of contract in June – has won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, as well as the FIFA World Club Cup in 2008 since his £18.6million move from Tottenham in 2006.

He has so far made 440 appearances for the club but without a new one-year deal he will be phased out in the summer.

That could open the door for Carrick to take up a coaching role at Carrington with key figures keen to draw on his undoubted expertise. JOSE MOURINHO claimed he didn’t know Frank Lampard had retired last week before saluting the former Chelsea star as a “best player and best friend”. Under Mourinho, Lampard won two League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup. Mourinho said: “I am really sad. I rate him one of my best players and one of my best friends. Top, top player. Whatever the direction of his life, he will succeed.”