Preview: Michael Carrick's Testimonial

When and where can I watch it? Michael Carrick's testimonial at Old Trafford will take place on Sunday 4 June at 14:30 BST, and will be shown exclusively live in the MUTV app outside of the UK and Ireland. Fans in the UK and Ireland will be able to watch live coverage on Sky and Virgin Media platforms, including free-to-air Sky channel 418. Live coverage from the Theatre of Dreams starts at 13:30, with highlights and reaction available on-demand within the app from 23:00 BST.

Are tickets still available? Yes! Michael confirmed this week that over 65,000 tickets have already been sold for the match, which is mightily impressive at the end of a long, congested season for United. Tickets are still available to buy via ManUtd.com/CarrickTestimonial.

New kick-off time... Due to the benefit concert for the victims of the Manchester terror attack being held on Sunday evening at the nearby Old Trafford cricket ground, Carrick's testimonial organisers have agreed to bring the match forward by 90 minutes from 16:00 to 14:30. In a statement, Michael said:

“We have had to change the kick-off time and I'm sorry if this causes an inconvenience to anyone attending the game. Our game, and the coming together of Manchester, has taken on a much greater significance since the tragic events of Monday 22 May. I personally want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and all those affected. We want everybody to know that we are Manchester and we show a sense of togetherness and we give our full support to the benefit concert after our game. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you this weekend at the testimonial to celebrate what our city is about.”

So, who's playing? A host of current and former superstars have been confirmed for the game, which will see United's Champions League-winning team of 2008 reunite to take on Carrick's All-Star XI. This is who is confirmed for the game at present:

United: Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Mikael Silvestre, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick (naturally), Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Ji-sung Park, Owen Hargreaves, Anderson (injured), Darren Fletcher, Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Dimitar Berbatov.

Carrick's All-Star XI: Shay Given, Phil Neville, Michel Salgado, Jamie Carragher, John Terry, Eric Abidal, Joan Capdevila, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Marcos Senna, Gaizka Mendieta, Clarence Seedorf, Damien Duff, Richard Garcia, Michael Owen, Robbie Keane, Eidur Gudjohnsen.

And who is managing? Sir Alex Ferguson will return to the Old Trafford dugout to manage his 2008 Champions League-winning United side. Carrick's former West Ham boss, Harry Redknapp, will also lead the All-Stars and he's excited for the occasion. ”I’m really looking forward to coming back to Old Trafford to celebrate what has been a terrific career," he told us. "Michael is a fantastic boy and a class act, both on and off the pitch. It will be great to see Sir Alex again too, he’s a friend of mine and we had some great battles down the years – mind you, he came out on top in most of them!" Fans attending the game can read the full interview in the official matchday programme, which will be on sale at the stadium.

A message from Mourinho... Speaking ahead of the testimonial, Jose said: “Michael is a phenomenal person and a true professional. He gives stability in our game and mental freedom to the other guys around him to be more attacking. He has a big understanding of the game and is a great role model for our younger players. This will be a fitting way for Michael and his family to celebrate his achievements over the past 11 years and for Michael to create a lasting legacy through his foundation.”

Where is the money going? All monies raised after expenses will be distributed to his chosen charities through the newly-created Michael Carrick Foundation, itself a registered charity. The charities will be based in Manchester and Newcastle initially, focusing on young people and their development. Also benefitting will be projects of the Manchester United Foundation, which works across some of the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester, using the passion for the club to help and inspire youngsters.

Credit: Skysports.com