Manchester United's Michael Carrick kicks off charity Santa Run at Old Trafford

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick decided to kick off the club's seventh annual Santa Run outside of Old Trafford at the weekend.

The England international, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury, marked the start of the charity race, which welcomed hundreds of fans dressed up as Santa Claus.

"It's terrific," Carrick told Sky Sports News. "This is the seventh year and it all helps and it's all for some great causes as well which is the most important thing."

The race, which contained a five-kilometre route for serious runners and a two-kilometre route for families, raised money for the club's Manchester United Foundation.