Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick put football allegiances aside as he sent a classy message to David Silva as the Manchester City star's prematurely-born son fights for life.

The Blues midfield ace has been missing games to be at the bedside of his son Mateo, who has been born “extremely” prematurely in Spain.

Relations between United and City are not in a good state, with the two sets of players and staff c lashing in an Old Trafford tunnel area following the Manchester derby last month.

But Carrick has got the new year off to a good start by sending good wishes to Silva, who has been told by manager Pep Guardiola that he can take as much time as he needs to be with his family.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: Michael Carrick of Manchester United in action with David Silva of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on March 25, 2014 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Tom Purslow/Man Utd via Getty Images) (
Image:
Tom Purslow)

Baby Mateo is thought to be fighting for life in a Valencia hospital, and Carrick sent a tweet to Silva via Twitter, reports the Manchester Evening News .

It read: “Some things are much more important than football. All the best to you and your family David, especially to your little man.”

The message was followed by a prayer emoji and quoted Silva's own notification about his family's plight, which thanked teammates, manager and everyone else at the club for their support.
Silva revealed his son had been born "extremely" prematurely (
Image:
Getty)

Silva yesterday wrote: "I want to thank all of you for the love and good wishes received in the last few weeks, special thanks to my teammates, the manager and all at the club for understanding my situation.

"Also I want to share with you the birth of my son Mato, who was born extremely preterm and is fighting day by day with the help of the medical team."

Silva's midfield partner Kevin De Bruyne sent a special message to Silva after scoring against Tottenham, one of three matches Silva has missed to be with his partner and son.

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De Bruyne signalled Silva's number 21 with his fingers after scoring that goal, in a 4-1 win over the Londoners.

Guardiola has given Silva indefinite leave, and he is unlikely to figure in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Burnley or next week's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Bristol City.

Said the manager: “When he is ready, he will come back. But his personal life is always more important than any other situation.

“So, when he comes back it’s because he’s ready, welcome. That is what we have to do.”