Mourinho wishes 'phenomenal' Carrick were 10 years younger

Time waits for no man (nor for the likes of Lionel Messi) a fact Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wishes were not the case when it comes to 35-year-old Michael Carrick.

The Portuguese tactician spoke to reporters about Carrick's importance to United despite his age - and offered that the notion of players hitting their mid-30s and suddenly declining isn't so concrete, though it is a factor he does have to manage.

"He's not just a player, he is somebody who has a big understanding of the game and it's a pity sometimes you can't stop the clock," Mourinho said of Carrick, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"In five years' time I think Messi will be 34 and we will be crying that the guy is 34. Michael is such an important player and is a player that it is very difficult to replace.

"It's one thing to be 25 years old, another thing to be 35 years old. That's the logic of things," Mourinho said. "But the only thing I can say is he's phenomenal. No doubts about it. Do I have to manage? I think I have to."

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Carrick has enjoyed a long career with United and while Mourinho is willing to look to the veteran England midfield for support, he also knows Carrick's minutes will have to be limited throughout the season.

"I can't expect from Michael what I can expect from (Marcus) Rashford or (Ander) Herrera in terms of playing three, four, five, seven consecutive matches," Mourinho said.

"But he's phenomenal and when you say he played in the last two wins, I think the last three maybe because he also played against Northampton - there is no relation with victories - but for sure when he is on the pitch he gives us important things.

"He gives us stability in our game, he gives mental freedom to the other guys around him to be more offensive."