Michael Carrick to retire at end of season with Manchester United coaching role his likely next step

The 36-year-old underwent a procedure in November to treat an irregular heart rhythm, after which he declared himself ‘healthy’, but he has only played three times since

Michael Carrick speaks to reporters at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

Michael Carrick will retire from football at the end of the season, the Manchester United midfielder has revealed, and is likely to move into a coaching role at Old Trafford working under manager Jose Mourinho.

The 36-year-old, who won 34 caps for England, underwent a procedure in November to treat an irregular heart rhythm, after which he declared himself “healthy”, but he has only played three times since.

“There comes a time when as much as you don’t like it, it’s time to stop playing football,” Carrick told a press conference ahead of United’s Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Sevilla. “That’s pretty much where I’m at.”

Carrick grew up near Newcastle but moved to West Ham aged 15, where he made his professional debut. After spending two seasons at Tottenham, he moved to United for £18m to play under his long-time admirer Sir Alex Ferguson, where he has made 463 appearances and won five Premier League titles, one Champions League, one Europa League, one FA Cup and three League Cups.