Summary

  • Carrick starts as captain in his last game for United

  • Martial not in matchday squad

  • Watford's last win at Old Trafford was in 1978

  • United have secured second place, Watford can finish as high as 10th

  • Kick-off 15:00 BST

  1. Postpublished at 14:58 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    signsImage source, Reuters

    Plenty of messages of support for Sir Alex Ferguson, who is recovering after having emergency surgery on a brain haemorrhage last weekend.

    And of course plenty of fans giving their thanks to Michael Carrick.

  2. Carrick's goodbyepublished at 14:57 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    It is a gloriously sunny day in Manchester and here is the man of the moment.

    "I have not played for a while, it will be interesting too see how it goes," Carrick said pre-match.

    Mourinho said the midfielder won't play the whole game, so expect to see Paul Pogba or Ander Herrera at some stage.

    carrickImage source, Reuters
  3. Guard of honourpublished at 14:56 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    'This is the One' blares out at Old Trafford for the final time this season as the teams come out of the tunnel.

    Michael Carrick is given a guard of honour by both teams and a standing ovation by the stadium, as he walks out last with his children.

  4. 'Best finish since Ferguson days'published at 14:53 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    Conor McNamara
    Match of the Day commentator

    Thursday's goalless draw at West Ham was uninspiring but Manchester United have now secured second place. It's the club's best league finish since they last won the title under Sir Alex Ferguson.

    Second in the table will never be deemed a success by Jose Mourinho but his side are 12 points better off than this time last year and the campaign can still end with silverware.

    Visitors Watford have been buoyed by their first win in eight games against Newcastle last weekend.

    They beat Manchester United at Vicarage Road last season. However, they have never won a league game at Old Trafford.

  5. End-of-season feelspublished at 14:50 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    Man Utd playersImage source, Getty Images

    This game may have just a hint of a testimonial game about it, as 34-year-old Michael Carrick captains United in his last game before he retires to take a seat next to Jose Mourinho on the coaches' bench.

    United have already secured second place, but could break the 80-point barrier. Watford could still finish as high as 10th, but the Hornets have not won at Old Trafford since 1978.

    United players will also be staking their claim for a place in Saturday's FA Cup final.

    It may be the last league game of the season, but there is still loads to play for. I promise.

  6. Martial is injuredpublished at 14:44 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    martialImage source, Getty Images

    The rumour mill was going into overdrive following the omission of Anthony Martial from the squad today.

    Jose Mourinho had said the French striker would start today.

    BBC Sport's Simon Stone says Martial was at Old Trafford today but drove away about 12pm.

    United have now confirmed the 22-year-old has an injury and missed training yesterday.

  7. Missing Martialpublished at 14:42 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport at Old Trafford

    Odd team selection for United, with no-one - including MUTV - quite sure what the formation is going to be.

    However, the main news centres around Anthony Martial, whose future has been debated fairly extensively over the past few weeks.

    Martial is not in this afternoon's squad, even though Jose Mourinho said he would be on Thursday.

    No explanation has been given but Martial turned up at Old Trafford around 12 noon, collected his car and drove off.

    I remember Ruud van Nistelrooy doing exactly the same before the final game in 2006. He never played for the club again.

  8. Team newspublished at 14:36 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    Jose Mourinho makes nine changes from Manchester United's midweek draw at West Ham.

    Michael Carrick makes his first appearance since February and only his fifth all season, as he captains United in his last ever game.

    Anthony Martial is the one notable omission. The Frenchman was due to start, but is not in the 17-man squad.

    There is a rare start for Daley Blind, while Marcus Rashford gets another chance to impress before the FA Cup final.

    Man Utd XI: Romero, Darmian, Bailly, Rojo, Blind, Carrick, McTominay, Sanchez, Mata, Young, Rashford.

    Man UtdImage source, .

    There are three changes for Watford from their 2-1 win against Newcastle last Saturday.

    Heurelho Gomes, Gerard Deulofeu and Richarlison come in for Orestis Karnezis, Etienne Capoue and Troy Deeney.

    WatfordImage source, .
  9. And now, the end is near...published at 14:27 British Summer Time 13 May 2018

    Man Utd v Watford (15:00 BST)

    Michael CarrickImage source, Reuters

    Michael Carrick plays his last game today. He's had some career:

    • 19 years of professional football
    • 12 seasons at Old Trafford
    • Five Premier League titles
    • One Champions League
    • Three League Cups
    • The FA Cup
    • Europa League
    • Club World Cup
    • 34 England caps
    • 464 United games
    • 481 Premier League appearances