Man U's Michael Carrick to retire soon

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is all set to bid adieu to his illustrious 19-year long career at the end of the season.

Confirming the news, United manager Jose Mourinho said though Carrick could be important for his side this term, the Portuguese insisted that the 36-year-old midfielder is set to retire and join the Old Trafford coaching staff as he looks to pursue his post-playing career.

Carrick has been plagued by injury and illness throughout the season, limiting his appearances in matches.

"I think to take the decision to stop playing football at the end of the season and not last week because of being injured with some problem is a good decision for the team and a good decision for him," the Guardian quoted manager Mourinho, as saying.

He added, "So we are all happy and in the end of the season I expect him to join, unless he changes his mind, but the club would be very happy for him to do that. I would be very happy also for him to do that. I think he will play again. After a few months without even training he is in his second week with the team. He can be a very important player for us."

The England international, who was appointed United's captain for this season, moved from Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford in the summer of 2006 in a deal worth 18 million pounds.

In his playing career with United so far, Carrick has won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, three League Cups and the Fifa Club World Cup.