Michael Carrick has saluted departed Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney as “incredible” and welcomed Romelu Lukaku to the club.
The Red Devils have bid farewell to their record goalscorer after 13 memorable years at Old Trafford.
Rooney has taken the decision to return to his roots at Everton after slipping down the Red Devils pecking order under Jose Mourinho.
He leaves with his legacy secure, with Carrick proud to have enjoyed so many good times alongside a fellow England international.
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The long-serving midfielder told MUTV: “Obviously Wayne leaving the club is a big deal and he has been such a massive part of this club since he first set foot in it and since making his debut, an incredible debut. I am sad to see him go.
“I understand why he has gone and we all fully support him and wish him well because he has been an unbelievable servant to the club and has left a legacy that is incredible.
“We had some great times but everything comes to an end unfortunately. It is the end at Man United for Wayne.
“I am sure he will go on to have a successful end to his career, but he will certainly be missed by a lot of us here.”
While Rooney has headed through the exits, Lukaku has been welcomed to the club in a £75 million move from Everton.
He arrives with a proven record in the Premier League and Carrick believes the powerful 24-year-old will be a shrewd addition for United.
“Listen, you have seen what he can bring to us. He is a big guy, he has got a big presence and he scores goals,” added Carrick.
Lukaku gets Zlatan's shirt number
“That is what we are going to need from him, that is what he is going to bring and I am sure he will have a great time here.
“You don’t want to look to put everything on his shoulders, but that is why he has been brought here – to help at that end of the pitch, to score and create goals.
“As a team and as attacking players everybody needs to chip in to score goals and share the load a little bit, to take the pressure off the individuals.
“But of course, he is going to be the [main] one we look to for scoring goals and I am sure he will.”
