Michael Carrick is following in the footsteps of a trio of Manchester United greats in order to prolong his playing career.

The midfielder, 33, saw the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville play well into their 30s and is hoping he can emulate the legendary threesome by doing all the right things as his playing days reach their twilight.

"At 33 or 34, that's when you're not sure how your body is going to react," he told MUTV.

"Living right and trying to look after myself gives me a better chance. I feel as good and as a fit as I ever have.

"I'm not saying I can last as long as Giggsy. Not many people, if anyone, can do what he did. But I tried to learn off Giggsy, Scholesy and Gaz Nev.

"It's stuff in the gym, yoga, living right, eating right... it all comes together and hopefully gives you a chance of playing for that extra couple of years."

Carrick joined United from Tottenham in 2006 and has since made close to 380 appearances for the Red Devils.