Man United’s Carrick open to playing as long as Giggs did

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick says he could keep playing as long as his former teammate Ryan Giggs, who retired at age 40.

Carrick, 35, has spent 11 years with United and was already feted at a testimonial match last month at Old Trafford.

He signed a new one-year contract last month and told Sky Sports on Friday that he learned a lot about extending his career from teammates like Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.

Asked if he had any set plans about retirement, Carrick said: “I haven’t got an age in mind really, I need to just take it year by year. I said that last year, I said it the year before and I will say it again next year too.

“I have learnt a lot off of Giggsy and the likes of Scholes and Gary Neville, who went on to play until their late 30s.

“I have been lucky enough to see that close to waters and I have taken things from that and tried to learn from it.

“It might take me as long as Giggsy, but I’m not too sure.”

Carrick also said he was happy to be back in the Champions League next season, after United secured their berth by lifting the Europa League trophy last month.

“We are looking up and we are looking to achieve something this year and win more trophies,” Carrick said. “It was a big way to finish to get the Europa League trophy with the added incentive of a Champions League spot. It gives us something to go at next season.

“A club like Manchester United needs to be in the Champions League and challenging for that trophy. You want to be playing at the top and challenging the best teams.”

But Carrick added that he’s not overly concerned with the prospect of being reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been the subject of major transfer talks this summer.

“I haven’t really given it too much thought to be honest with you,” Carrick said. “Listen, you don’t need me to say, everyone knows what type of a player he is and how good he is and what a career he’s had.

“It’s not for me to get involved in whether he comes to Manchester United, whether he leaves Madrid or not, that’s not my business at this moment in time.

“Of course, I was lucky enough to play with him. It was just a joy to work so close to him and see how he plays.

“We will see how it pans out over the next few weeks and months.”