CARRICK WON'T GLOAT THAT MO TORMENT'S OVER

YOU could almost hear the quiet exhale from Michael Carrick when the news dropped — Mo Salah is OUT of todays blockbuster game against Liverpool with a hamstring injury.

- BY STEVEN RAILSTON

Behind closed doors, it's the kind of news that would lift any Manchester United camp. After all, Salah (above), who is leaving Anfield this summer, has made a habit of tormenting defences and turning big games into his personal highlights reel. No manager in their right mind would want to face him.

But publicly? Carrick was all class and textbook professionalism.

The United boss was quick to heap praise on the Egyptian superstar, hailing him as one of the very best in the game and a player who's set the standard in the Premier League for years. No gloating, no cheeky digs — just respect for a proven match-winner.

“I fully respect what he's achieved,” said Carrick.