'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#1 Carrick's influence
One of the game's best ever servants, Michael Carrick enjoyed one final game in the red of Manchester as he lead his team out of that tunnel wearing the captain's armband.
Not only was the match a landmark one for the Englishman in this respect, but the fact that he continued to pull the strings so effortlessly in the middle of the park needs some serious praise.
He was the calming figure, prepared to protect his teammates and cover up for their mistakes. His exquisite ball over the top to Juan Mata led to the opening goal, completed 59 out of an attempted 69 passes and made 13 recoveries- the highest of any player.
A true gentleman of the game and one who will be dearly missed.
Feedback
