Sunday 15 April 2018 09:24, UK
Paul Pogba's Manchester derby salvo has filled Michael Carrick with optimism ahead of his retirement from professional football.
Carrick will hang up his boots at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a glittering career at Old Trafford to join Jose Mourinho's coaching staff.
With opportunities on the field at a premium, Carrick has begun focusing on the next chapter of his career - and it's clear he is already having an influence.
After his quick-fire double put Manchester City's title coronation on hold, Pogba praised the 36-year-old for his advice.
In an exclusive sit down with former team-mate Gary Neville, Carrick revealed he was encouraged that his pep talk with Pogba paid dividends.
"I just kept it simple and said 'this is what you are' and 'this is what you're good at'," he told Sky Sports. "But listen, he scored two goals so it's not down to me.
"I'm glad I did [have an impact] because it shows little things do register with players."
Carrick's 11-year stint in Manchester has yielded 18 honours, a tally which could increase further should United lift the FA Cup for a record 13th time in May.
Whether United can provide that fitting ending remains to be seen, but what is certain is that Carrick has his heart set on pursuing a coaching career rather than following the likes of Neville into the media.
"Three or four years ago I probably wouldn't have thought I'd go down that route," he added. "It wasn't until I started my coaching badges that I found that I enjoyed it.
"Eventually, I think I would like to be a manager. It looks easier than it obviously is! But of course it's not easy.
"There is an element that keeps nagging away at me in games where I think what I would do there and what would I change."
Catch Gary Neville's full interview with Michael Carrick on Soccer Saturday from midday on Sky Sports Premier League - and watch Man Utd v West Brom on Nissan Super Sunday from 3.30pm on Sky Sports Premier League.
