Manchester United captain Michael Carrick sends message to Man City's David Silva

Manchester United captain Michael Carrick put the club's rivalry with Manchester City aside after hearing of David Silva's personal struggle.

The Spaniard, who has been in stellar form during City's Premier League title charge, has only featured twice in the club's last six games due to family issues.

After playing in the team's 3-1 victory over Watford on Tuesday night, Silva explained that he has been absent due to the premature birth of his son Mateo.

Carrick reached out to his rival on social media, tweeting his support to the player and his son, who is being medically treated.

The former England international wrote: "Some things are much more important than football. All the best to you and your family David, especially to your little man."

City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed that Silva will be allowed to miss future games in order to be with his family.