CARRICK FACING MAN UTD EXIT AFTER FAMILY 'GOODBYES'

Michael Carrick could be set for a final Old Trafford appearance as a Manchester United player on Tuesday following indications on Sunday that his family were set for an emotional farewell.

Carrick, who joined United in 2006 from Tottenham, has remained a constant during a raft of changes at the club in recent years but has not yet been offered a contract to stay beyond this summer.

And Goal sources have revealed that the 34-year-old appeared set to wave goodbye to friends and team-mates at Sunday’s Premier League closer against Bournemouth until the abandonment of the fixture due to the discovery of a suspicious package.

While the club had agreed to have 11 mascots walk out with the team on Sunday wearing shirts bearing the names of characters from the new movie X-Men: Apocalypse, a decision was made to also allow Carrick’s two children to be added to the procession ahead of kick-off.

And while Carrick himself was said to be ‘noticeably down’ before the dramatic events which delayed the game by two days, sources also spotted his wife, Lisa, having poignant photographs taken with long-time friends and employees of the club.

Although this is not the first time Carrick’s contract has been allowed to reach its final year, he has always previously been offered a new deal some months before expiry.

However, the club has so far done little to assure the midfielder of his future and the latest developments, coupled with uncertainty about manager Louis van Gaal’s own position, have led to clear signs the former England star’s days at Old Trafford may well be numbered.

As Goal reported in March, Newcastle United had been among a number of Premier League clubs taking an interest in Carrick, but their relegation to the Championship could open the way for other interested parties.

Carrick has played a total of 419 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 23 goals in his 10 seasons at the club, but has started only 21 league matches so far this term.