Carrick aims for Cup lift

"This year there are still big teams left in it. Certain years in the past, there have been a few lesser teams. This competition is very strong. Come the quarter-finals you take it seriously, of course you do. We are not taking Crystal Palace lightly."

– Michael Carrick

29/11/2011 09:29, Report by Adam Marshall

Michael Carrick has outlined how the Carling Cup can provide a timely lift ahead of the season run-in.

The Reds lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2010 and the midfielder feels success in the competition - the final will be played on Sunday 26 February at Wembley - provides an injection of confidence in the lead up to the business end of the season.

Carrick, in superb form at the moment, also feels the tournament is the perfect testing ground for up-and-coming talents to bed in alongside the senior figures.

"There is no harm in getting into the habit of winning games, no matter what competition it's in," the former Spurs man stressed. "Some people have written the competition off as not being so important, but lifting that trophy in February gives you a great feeling. It gives you a lot of belief going into the end of the season, not just as players but as a club. If you are winning trophies, it gives everyone a boost. It's something we're not taking lightly as it's an opportunity to get more silverware.

"This year there are still big teams left in it. Certain years in the past, there have been a few lesser teams. This competition is very strong. Come the quarter-finals you take it seriously, of course you do. We are not taking Crystal Palace lightly. It is just an opportunity to be successful and keep our run going."

Several members of last season's FA Youth Cup-winning side are expected to be in the squad again after featuring in the wins at Leeds and Aldershot in previous rounds.

"This is a great place to learn your trade," insisted Carrick. "The manager is the best at guiding young players through when he sees they are ready. They have had little snippets before. Zeki [Ezekiel Fryers] has played a couple of times and done well. I am sure they will do well if the manager puts them in.

"They certainly have the talent. They're good players - they wouldn't be threatening to play if they weren't. They have been doing things right and have ability. It's about going to that next step when you have the opportunity. There are not a load of opportunities to come into the first-team. The Carling Cup is probably the best way to establish yourself and I'm sure they'll take the opportunity with both hands if it arises."

source : Manutd

Carrick happy for home town

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

Concentration was key

"The concentration we showed today is exactly the concentration we need back in the team. We’ve tightened things up and there were some good performances by our defenders."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

19/11/2011 19:30, Report by Gemma Thompson

Sir Alex hailed his side’s concentration levels in the hard-fought victory at Swansea on Saturday and reserved special praise for Michael Carrick on his first league start of the season.

Javier Hernandez’s 11th-minute goal proved the difference in the 1-0 win, but it was the Reds’ dogged display at the back which pleased the manager, as did the impressive performance by Carrick in the centre of the field.

“Keeping clean sheets has been an integral part of our success and we have been careless with our defending,” he told MUTV.

“A few weeks ago there was genuine criticism about the defending and the chances opponents were getting. Swansea didn’t really make any chances apart from the miss they had in the first half.

“It was a solid performance and we never looked like losing the game. We were comfortable and had good possession. And when you win these games 1-0 it brings the concentration back to a good level which has been lacking. The concentration we showed today is exactly the concentration we need back in the team.

“We’ve tightened things up and there were some good performances by our defenders. And Michael Carrick was outstanding. I thought he did really well – it was a big performance from him.

“To get Michael back to that form and have the likes of Ryan [Giggs] available gives us good options. We also brought on Fabio, Fletcher and Valencia which shows you the strength of the squad – they were good changes at important times in the game.

"The squad we’ve got now is strong and I can make changes with confidence and that’s very important at this stage of the season.”

It was United’s first-ever victory at Swansea and it brought the Swans’ unbeaten home run this season to an end as well.

“They’ve got a great home record and that’s something we looked at before the game,” added Sir Alex. “They’re a good football team and they keep the ball well.

“We maybe should have done better with the chances we got towards the end of the game, but when you look at the way Swansea have been going in terms of form it was a good result.”

source : Manutd

Carrick values Swans victory

"We’ll score some more goals because of the talent in our team. We believe we can do that, but at this time it is about grafting, sticking together and showing a lot of character."

- Michael Carrick

19/11/2011 22:00, Report by Mark Froggatt

Michael Carrick says winning games is more important than scoring goals after United recorded a third consecutive 1-0 win in the Barclays Premier League with victory over Swansea on Saturday.

Javier Hernandez’s early strike was all that separated the teams at the Liberty Stadium to seal the Reds first top-flight triumph in Wales. And although it wasn’t a vintage display, Carrick believes three points is what matters most.

“They had a lot of possession but that’s their game,” the midfielder told MUTV. “They play off the ball and keep it for long spells. We knew that before the game. It was just a case of staying patient really. Considering the chances they had, I think we were quite comfortable in terms of goal threats.

“You always want to score more goals, of course, but I don’t think it’s a concern. It’s about winning games and it’s a good sign that we can win games like that. We haven’t been at our best but there’ll be a point in the season when everything will come easily.

“We’ll score some more goals because of the talent in our team. We believe we can do that, but at this time it is about grafting, sticking together and showing a lot of character.

“We are happy, we weren’t at our best but three points is nice. The football wasn’t as fluent or easy on the eye as it could have been but 1-0 is a win and we’ll take that. At this stage of the season it is about picking up points and wins - judge where we are by Christmas and we’ll kick on from there.”

Carrick produced a confident and industrious display against the Swans to earn widespread praise from Sir Alex Ferguson, who had earlier this week stated his belief that the Reds midfielder would come to form over the festive period.

And having made his first league start of the season against Brendan Rodgers' newly-promoted side on Saturday, the United midfielder is confident his time to shine has finally arrived.

“I want to play in every game, like everyone else. But I understand the situation, it is a long season and I’ve been here before when I haven’t played too much at the start and ended up having a good season. I am patient and it is frustrating, but I have just got to be ready and I enjoyed it today.”

source : Manutd

Sir Alex eyes festive charge

"December is a hectic month, it’s a congested programme. That’s why you have to utilise your squad to navigate your way through all of that. By December 31, we’ll hopefully be in the right position."

 - Sir Alex Ferguson

18/11/2011 22:30, Report by Mark Froggatt

Sir Alex Ferguson wants United to turn up the heat during the Christmas period as the Reds chase title glory in the Barclays Premier League.

The boss refuses to consider the current league standings as a significant gauge for future success, looking instead towards the turn of the New Year and the business end of the campaign.

“I don’t think we are looking over our shoulders or up above us at this time as it is so early on in the season,” Sir Alex declared. “The important thing is for us to do our jobs right. We have got some big games coming up with Newcastle next week and Aston Villa after that.

“December is a hectic month, you have the Boxing Day and New Year fixtures and it’s a congested programme. That’s why you have to utilise your squad to navigate your way through all of that. By December 31, we’ll hopefully be in the right position.

“To me, that is always a good indicator about how your chances are and who your dangers are. I always use that barometer at that time of the year. I’ll be happy with top - I’ll be happy with second as long as we are within a point or two - that will do me fine.”

United’s midfield options were dealt a significant blow on Friday with the news that Tom Cleverley’s injury sustained against Everton has turned out to be a more serious problem than was first anticipated, ruling the youngster out until Christmas.

However, Sir Alex is certain the central hole will be ably plugged by Michael Carrick, saying the former Tottenham midfielder traditionally improves during the winter months.

“Michael always comes good at this time of year. He takes a bit of time to get going but it is always a good spell for him and he will always play a big part. He is fit which is good news as it gives me options about the midfield combinations and possibilities. We should be okay in there.”

source : Manutd