But it is all, of course, for a good cause, with the last game raising just under £1m in revenue to benefit the United Foundation, an organisation the former Red has a strong association with through his own charity, the Michael Carrick Foundation.
The organisation funds one of our regular Street Reds sessions, providing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with a route into sport.
"Every pound, every penny, it's actually priceless, really, how much you can affect people's lives," Carrick said. "It's something I've really enjoyed doing and being part of, with the two foundations coming together from my side.
"We're heavily involved [Carrick, his wife Lisa and their children], and we get down there, support the coaches and get to know the young people that are taking part. I think it's vital that we do that.
"As much as it's great for me to go through the experience of playing football again, in a great stadium, I'm attached to it a lot deeper than that."