25/11/2011 15:30, Report by Mark Froggatt
Michael Carrick is delighted to see Newcastle United riding high in the Barclays Premier League but insists any childhood allegiances will be forgotten when the Reds face the Magpies at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Reds midfielder, born and raised on Tyneside, always keeps an eye out for his home-town team and has been impressed by Alan Pardew’s side this season. With 25 points from a possible 36, the North-East club are currently fourth, three points ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
“Newcastle have had a really good start," Carrick declared. "Not a lot of people would have put them up there if you had asked a few months back. But credit to them, they have stuck together and they are certainly enjoying being up there.
"They are my home-town club and the team I watched as a boy so it is great to see them at the top. The city is really thriving at the minute. They couldn't have expected to be where they are if they took a realistic view because they have had such a hard time of it over the last couple of years.
"I am glad they are doing well but obviously come Saturday, it will be different for me."
Newcastle suffered a first league defeat of the season against Manchester City last weekend, prompting some to predict a drop in confidence ahead of Saturday’s match at M16. However Carrick feels he saw enough spirit and endeavour to disprove that theory.
“Who knows whether this is the perfect time to play them. They have had a great run and they were a bit unlucky at times last weekend with the penalty and a couple of goals that could have been avoided. I am sure they will still come with confidence, come and play and do the things they have been doing to get them in this position. We are fully aware of the strengths they have, how they are as a team and how much work they put in. We will have to be ready.”
United are braced for another busy run of games as Sir Alex’s men continue the quest to retain the title. And having made his first Barclays Premier League start of the season away to Swansea, Carrick hopes to feature heavily. The midfielder is also hoping to end a goal drought that stretches back to January 2010, but stresses his input to the overall team performance is more important.
“I would love a goal," he admitted. "But it is not something I am losing sleep over. It is something I would love to do. I try to put myself in positions to do that, but at the right time. You are there to do a job for the team in both boxes and in the middle of the park. If I am stopping them going in and someone else is scoring, as long as we are winning, I am not too fussed.
"I am enjoying my football at the moment. I am fit and looking forward to the games ahead. It is nice when positive things are said about you, especially by the manager. I just look to keep my good form going.”
Michael was talking to ManUtd.com, PA Sport, BBC Radio Manchester and Key 103.
source : Manutd
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