Carrick Enjoys Acclaim

Michael Carrick clearly revelled in the post-match celebrations on Sunday and enjoyed hearing his terrace chant belted out time and time again.

The cultured midfielder has enjoyed a fabulous campaign and is in contention for the club's Player of the Year award, rightly receiving the acclaim from the supporters. As he danced on the pitch with his family to the tune, the England international admitted he is thrilled with the backing from the Old Trafford faithful.

"It's taken a while to get used to," he told Sky Sports. "But obviously it's terrific. Just going on the lap of honour and having people sing your name, it's a great feeling. I've enjoyed this season especially; last year was tough to take and it just makes it even sweeter this year, the way we've done it. I've been happy with my own performance and it's nice for them [the fans] to keep singing it!"

Rio Ferdinand's late winner against Swansea provided a fitting ending for Sir Alex's Old Trafford schedule as the players managed to get another three points despite the focus on also providing a proper off-the-field send-off for the manager.

"We wanted to go out on a high and, thankfully, we have got the winner to give us that elation at the end," he added. "Fitting, I suppose, to get a late goal for the boss to say goodbye to everyone and it was such a special day.

"Even in the changing room, to be honest, he tried to keep it as normal as possible with his team-talk but, even then, in the back of your mind you're thinking: 'This is the last one here,' and then obviously the response and the reception he got from everyone at the start with the guard of honour and the atmosphere was electric. It's something I'll never forget."

A new era will begin from 1 July when Everton's David Moyes takes over the reins and Carrick is likely to remain a key figure in the new manager's plans.

"As a player, we respect the situation with the manager and he said it himself in his speech at the end about the new manager," stated Carrick. "About everybody getting behind him and supporting him. As players we're looking forward to it.

"It's a change. How much change? We'll have to wait and see but we're relishing the new challenge. With the expectation at this club and the responsibilities you have as a player to keep performing, we've got that drive as individuals and we look to keep the success and go on from year-to-year."