Jose Mourinho hails "unbelievable" Michael Carrick

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Michael Carrick after the retiring captain played his last game for the club against Watford on Sunday.

Carrick was given a standing ovation when he was taken off in the 85th minute of United's final game of the season, which they won 1-0 courtesy of Marcus Rashford's first-half goal.

The 35-year-old hangs up his boots following a 12-year stay at Old Trafford, although he will remain at the club in a coaching capacity.

"For a winner like Michael, to win in his final match has to mean something," Mourinho told reporters.

"Sir Alex [Ferguson] was the smart one to sign him and the happy one to have him for so long. An unbelievable player. Even today, I was telling my assistants that I wanted to take him off to standing ovation but I couldn't because he was the best. Today he just changes office [to take coaching role at the club]."

Carrick made 464 appearances for the club across all competitions, helping them to 18 trophies including five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.