MICHAEL CARRICK showed his class by handing forgotten Manchester United star Tyrell Malacia the chance to say farewell.

The defender was given a special shout-out by Carrick, 44, after the Red Devils final game of the season at Old Trafford, as the crowd said goodbye to both Casemiro and Malacia with their exits confirmed before the game.

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Tyrell Malacia enjoyed an emotional cameo against Brighton for his final Man Utd game Credit: AFP

Fans praised the class act by Michael Carrick Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

And while Casemiro was absent from United’s season finale against Brighton, Malacia was named on the bench by Carrick.

Carrick registered his 12th win in 17 games as manager, this being his first since his full-time appointment was announced.

The 3-0 thrashing of the Seagulls at The Amex, led by Bruno Fernandes as he broke the assist record with his 21st of the season, capped off a superb comeback season for the visitors – having secured Champions League football last weekend following the trenches of coming 15th a year ago.

Goals from Patrick Dorgu and then Bryan Mbeumo and Fernandes either side of half-time put the result beyond doubt, and Carrick used the chance to hand some minutes to youngsters Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher.

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But Carrick also showed his classy side by subbing on Dutchman Malacia in the 82nd minute to allow him to say one final goodbye to fans with an emotional late cameo.

Signed in 2022 in a £13million deal from Feyenoord, Malacia suffered a horror knee injury in 2023 which kept him out of action for a year-and-a-half.

He eventually returned to the team in December 2024 before heading out on loan to PSV for the remainder of that season, before he was transfer- listed in the summer.

Malacia was ultimately not sold and was then assigned to the Under-21s before playing for the United first team again in the Boxing Day win over Newcastle under Ruben Amorim.

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Malacia was given a special send off at Old Trafford Credit: Getty

Carrick then gave him a run-out against Toon again in March but Malacia ended up making a crucial error which handed the Magpies a late victory.

But on the season finale, Malacia was given the chance to say farewell to supporters in person, as he then said his goodbyes on Instagram.

He said: “Grateful for every moment, every challenge and every memory.

“Thank you to the fans, my teammates, the staff and everyone at the club for the support throughout this journey.

“It’s been an honour to wear this shirt.

“Wishing the club all the best for the future.”

Fans on social media praised Carrick for the act, with one saying: “Malacia given final 10 minutes in a united shirt, Michael Carrick is a good dude.”

A second said: “Beautiful from Michael Carrick giving Tyrell Malacia some minutes. Last time in a United shirt.”

Another said: “I commend Carrick for introducing Malacia against Brighton which happens to be his last game for United. Such a great gesture.”

A fourth said: “Lovely touch by Michael Carrick, handing Tyrell Malacia some precious minutes.”

A fifth added: “Carrick showing his class with bringing Malacia on.”

While the club season is now over for United, Carrick has admitted he won’t be going on holiday just yet as he prepares for the summer transfer window.

United are said to be closing in on their first signing in the form of Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

It is the first of three central midfielders the club could sign this summer, with Casemiro going and Manuel Ugarte expected to leave too.

The likes of Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Aurelian Tchouameni have all been linked with a transfer.