Sir Alex In Charge Of Carrick Testimonial

Sir Alex Ferguson has been confirmed as manager of the Manchester United 2008 XI for Michael Carrick's testimonial match on Sunday 4 June at Old Trafford.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, the legendary former Reds boss revealed his affection for Carrick and that Champions League-winning side and expressed his eagerness to be in the dug-out again on the midfielder's big day.

Harry Redknapp, who managed United's no.16 at West Ham United will be in charge of the Michael Carrick All-Star XI.

"I think the best bit will be seeing the players, to be honest with you," said Sir Alex. "No [I don't miss managing]. I miss the big games of course but I made my decision and I’m enjoying it. I don’t have to worry about you lads or the agents or the press conferences and having to control that press secretary of mine!

"I’m delighted Michael is getting a testimonial. It tells you Manchester United are probably the only club in England that can do that. Players do tend to stay a long time here. We don’t have players here one minute and gone the next. If you go right back to my time, most of the players stayed 10 or even more years. I think we can be proud of that fact, being a family-type club. It encourages players to put roots down here and enjoy it.

"I read about what Michael’s intentions are [with the funds raised for the event] and I think it’s very honourable. I think he’s shown he’s prepared to share his success and his contribution to the charity, starting it himself, will be very, very worthwhile."

The 2008 side, which won the Premier League as well as conquering Europe, was one of Ferguson's finest and is fondly remembered by United fans.

"Well, to win the European Cup is fantastic," said Sir Alex. "It was a really great bunch of players with a great attitude about them and a good, strong squad. My problem in the 2008 final, maybe I even regret it to this day, was I left Ji-sung Park out completely in the final. He’d played such a great role and that’s the problem when you get to these finals.

"At Wembley [against Barcelona two years later], I did it to Dimitar Berbatov and he took it badly. He didn’t deserve it. No player deserves to be left out of the final. That’s why we try hard at these European seminars with the coaches to try to get 11 subs in the final.

"You’ve got four or five sitting in the stand who made fantastic contributions in getting there. You start the tournament in September and go through to May and changes can happen. Maybe you sign a player in January, for instance, who can end up playing in the final. It’s a difficult part, always, picking a team for the final in Moscow and I had to make that horrible decision."

The opponents on Carrick's big day, managed by Redknapp, will include the playmaker's former England colleagues such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

"I think it adds spice," commented Sir Alex. "I think it’s much better having that than you choose a team, having to travel and you don’t know whether a full squad is going to be there. If Michael’s got guarantees these great players will appear, it will be fantastic crowd as it’s a real attraction."