Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has paid tribute to Michael Carrick after the retiring captain played his last game for the club against Watford on Sunday.

Carrick was given a standing ovation when he was taken off in the 85th minute of United's final game of the season, which they won 1-0 courtesy of Marcus Rashford's first-half goal.

The 35-year-old hangs up his boots following a 12-year stay at Old Trafford, although he will remain at the club in a coaching capacity.

"For a winner like Michael, to win in his final match has to mean something," Mourinho told reporters.

"Sir Alex [Ferguson] was the smart one to sign him and the happy one to have him for so long. An unbelievable player. Even today, I was telling my assistants that I wanted to take him off to standing ovation but I couldn't because he was the best. Today he just changes office [to take coaching role at the club]."

Carrick made 464 appearances for the club across all competitions, helping them to 18 trophies including five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.