Manchester United's ultimate unsung hero Michael Carrick finally received the recognition he deserved at his testimonial... but hes's not done yet

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Much of Michael Carrick's career has been spent away from the focus of appreciation. If not quite in the background, he was certainly not front and centre. As others claimed the neon lighting, he steadily, happily, provided the supply cable.

On Sunday though, the crowds came for him. More than 70,000 went to Old Trafford to watch Carrick's testimonial, an attendance affirming major warmth for a player who has won everything in 11 seasons at Manchester United.

Those who have followed the club over that time know the service Carrick has delivered, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. The same can be said of those who turned up to play with and against him.

Michael Carrick scored during his testimonial match played out in front of 70,000 fans

The likes of Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Darren Fletcher turned out for his testimonial

Sir Alex Ferguson signed midfielder Carrick from Tottenham for £18.6million

Carrick won the Champions League in 2008 and added the Europa League to his haul in May

It was a reunion for most of the United team who won the 2008 Champions League to go alongside, and in opposition a gathering of players from the breadth of Carrick'c career, evidencing the length and quality he has attained.

Clarence Seedorf, a rival with AC Milan in 2007 and 2009; Eric Abidal, part of the beaten Barcelona side of 2008 and also the victorious one in 2011; John Terry, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, as England team-mates with first-hand knowledge of why Carrick is judged the players' player by fellow professionals.

It is a reputation that dated back a long way. Robbie Keane was in the Tottenham side when Carrick made his first appearance in October 2004. Rio Ferdinand played in the same United team as Carrick dozens of times but was even the West Ham player who made way for the midfielder's debut as a substitute in August 1999.

Carrick had travelled down from Wallsend to be part of the last great influx from West Ham's academy and his view on the game had already be shaped. A clip of him as a 13-year-old appearing on Live and Kicking was released by United ahead of his testimonial.

'When I get the ball I like trying to give it to other players and lay it off. I don't always want to score goals myself,' he explains in his Geordie accent. 'I try to give it to other players to give them a chance as well.'

It is that aspect which has underpinned Carrick's approach and fostered the goodwill shown on Sunday. 

Sir Alex Ferguson paid £18.6million in a period when such figures were not commonplace, certainly not for holding midfielders. But he knew what Carrick would provide, a figure at the fulcrum not only skilled in keeping possession but also confident and able to pass the ball through the lines to trigger the swift attacks United fans have seen far less of in recent seasons.

United had not won the title in three years when Carrick joined but subsequently finished first three times in a row. Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo clicked into gear but the contribution made by Carrick cannot be underestimated. 

He was a major part of the side who won the Premier League and Champions League double in 2008, forming a perfectly weighted partnership with Paul Scholes, and the treble was only denied by a peculiar FA Cup quarter-final against Portsmouth.

Carrick has five Premier League medals in his trophy cabinet and won the FA Cup in 2016

Carrick (second right) watches on as his shot flies past a despairing Shay Given (left)

The midfielder dabs in front of the Stretford End after scoring his team's second goal

In total Carrick has won six league titles, one European Cup, one Europa League, one FA Cup, and three League Cups. More than that he has provided a calming, influential voice behind the scenes.

'Not only is he a great footballer, he is also a fantastic human being and a great role model to our younger members of the team,' said Jose Mourinho when announcing Carrick's new one-year contract. 

He appeared 38 times last season and at the age of 35 still has much to offer United. He can be the counter-balance to allow Paul Pogba to flourish, the insurance policy late on, and in certain circumstances the one to break through defences.

His testimonial goal – a crisp, low strike from 20 yards that flew in off the post – was an exhibition of the pristine touch that remains.

It took a few years for Carrick to be recognised in song. To the tune of Pilot's 1975 hit Magic, United fans proclaimed Carrick so good 'it's hard to believe it's not Scholes'. They still do. But he should, and will, be remembered as a true United great in his own right. 

Carrick (right) speaks to the crowd alongside son Jacey (left) and daughter Louise

Carrick (right) shakes hands with Ferguson (left) prior to kick-off at Old Trafford on Sunday