SHOOT would like to wish former England international midfielder Michael Carrick many happy returns as he celebrates his 37th birthday this evening.

The Manchester United legend, who joined The Red Devils back in July 2006 following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, went on to make 464 appearances in all competitions for United, scoring 24 goals.

Sixteenth on the list of most appearances of all-time for the Premier League giants, Carrick won a mighty 18 honours during his 12 years at Old Trafford – lifting five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the FA Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, the FIFA Club World Cup and six FA Community Shields.

Last May, the midfielder was awarded a testimonial match at Old Trafford after 11 years service to the club, before he was appointed club captain ahead of the 2017-18 season following Wayne Rooney’s transfer back to Everton last summer.

The central midfielder retired from professional football at the end of the previous campaign after revealing he had been battling an irregular heart rhythm in late 2017, which required a medical procedure and kept him on the sidelines for a number of months.

Upon hanging up his boots this summer, Carrick accepted an offer to join Jose Mourinho’s first-team coaching staff ahead of the 2018-19 season.

So, although the Red Devils legend is not leaving Old Trafford for good just yet, SHOOT is celebrating the midfielder’s birthday by putting together five of his most defining moments of his Manchester United Career in Pictures. Enjoy!

Super Signing

Manchester United announced the signing of Carrick from Tottenham in a deal worth up to £18.6m back in July 2006 – becoming the sixth most expensive player ever bought by the club, at that time.

The midfielder was handed the number 16 shirt, previously worn by Roy Keane.

Debut Delight

During his debut campaign at The Theatre of Dreams, Carrick scored six goals in 52 appearances in all competitions for The Red Devils, and formed a formidable partnership with fellow legend Paul Scholes in the centre of the park.

He celebrated his first year at United by lifting his first-ever piece of silverware in senior football, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side finished six points clear of Chelsea in the top-flight table.

European Euphoria

Just a few days after signing a new four-year contract with United in May 2008, Carrick lifted the UEFA Champions League after helping The Red Devils defeat Chelsea 6-5 in a penalty shootout (1-1 AET) in Moscow, Russia.

Carrick played the full 90 minutes inside the Luzhniki Stadium, and the entirety of extra-time, before tucking away United’s second spot-kick in their successful shootout.

That was the midfielder’s first Champions League final, his first European honour of his career and the club’s third Champions League crown overall.

Super Season

The 2012-13 campaign was arguably Carrick’s finest in a Red Devils shirt, as he made 46 appearances in all competitions for the club, helping United lift their record 20th English league title.

Awarded the Players’ Player of the Year award, as well as being included in the PFA Team of the Year (2012-13), Carrick played a crucial role in giving the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson the perfect send-off with his 13th Premier League title.

Final Farewell

In November 2017, the midfielder revealed that he had undergone a procedure for an irregular heart rhythm, which had kept him out of action for a number of months.

Carrick played just five times under Jose Mourinho last season, before accepting an offer to join his first-team coaching staff this summer upon his retirement at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

He made his 464th and final appearance for United as a player during the 1-0 home win over Watford at Old Trafford, captaining the side to victory, before being substituted with five minutes remaining for fans to give him a deserved standing ovation.