Michael Carrick’s testimonial actually looks set to be a cracking match.
Following on from his recent contract extension, Carrick will take to the field with some of the greatest talents the Premier League has ever seen when his testimonial takes place on Sunday.
Old Trafford will host the game, which has no shortage of star power, and the full squads have just been released.
65,000 tickets have been sold as Sir Alex Ferguson returns to the Theatre of Dreams to take charge of a team of players he managed during the 2008 season while Harry Redknapp, who managed Carrick at West Ham, will lead out an absolutely astonishing line-up.
Legendary former England teammates Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Jamie Carragher will all feature for the All Stars team, which will have Robbie Keane up front.
65k tickets have been sold…I can't wait! https://t.co/DioShbBvTu @_MCFoundation @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/yTi62H6Urv
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) May 31, 2017
On Tuesday, it was announced that the match’s kick-off time was changed from 4pm to 2.30pm to cater for a special benefit concert being held by Ariana Grande that evening, which will raise funds for the families who were affected by the tragic Manchester Arena attack last week.
“Unfortunately we have had to change the kick-off time and I’m sorry if this causes an inconvenience to anyone attending the game,” Carrick said.
“Our game, and the coming together of the people of Manchester has taken on a much greater significance since the tragic events of Monday 22 May.
The kick-off time for Michael Carrick's testimonial on Sunday has changed from 16:00 BST to 14:30: https://t.co/KrUEfS7eL4 pic.twitter.com/QOEaiMpMLD
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 30, 2017
“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.”
