Michael Carrick: Manchester United ‘welcoming’ Champions League challenge
Michael Carrick states that Manchester United is welcoming the challenges of striving for a Champions League return as they aim to regain their winning form against top-four contenders Aston Villa.
The third-placed Red Devils head into the weekend tied on points with Unai Emery’s team but positioned higher in the Premier League table due to goal difference following an impressive two-month stretch.
United has taken advantage of Villa’s unexpected decline, climbing the standings with a streak of six victories in eight matches since Carrick was appointed head coach for the remainder of the season in January.
The 44-year-old experienced his first defeat in charge against Newcastle last time out and is eager to achieve a crucial result in the battle for Champions League qualification when Villa visits Old Trafford on Sunday.
“I believe we are always facing a challenge,” Carrick remarked as United seeks to return to European competition after a rare season without international football.
“It’s consistently about what comes next, how you will respond [whether you’ve won or lost].
“What will the reaction be? What are the emotions within the group? What drives us for the next match? And pushing that forward.
“I recognize that with it being the first loss, it feels somewhat different, but it was bound to happen at some point.
“It’s a demanding league. Most teams, if not all, have encountered that recently, so it’s about maintaining perspective and shaping it in a way that allows us to improve.
“We’ve gained a lot of confidence from [recent matches] as a collective and what we can achieve and how we perform.
“This is a significant match, there’s no denying that. It’s an exciting game.
“We’ve positioned ourselves now where there’s a great deal at stake, so we are truly embracing the situation and looking forward to the upcoming match.”
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Mason Mount may make his return after a two-month absence, but Patrick Dorgu, Lisandro Martínez, and Matthijs de Ligt will remain unavailable.
The absence of the latter two in defense has been compensated for by the notable return of Harry Maguire, who has featured in every match since Carrick took the helm.
The long-term future of the 33-year-old defender is uncertain with his contract set to expire this summer, but his strong performances have re-entered him into discussions for an England recall ahead of the World Cup.
“Harry has been performing well,” Carrick noted. “It’s quite clear to say that.
“Not long ago, he was sidelined for a significant period due to injury, and he came back immediately when we arrived.
“There has been some management of him throughout the weeks and matches to ensure he is physically up to speed.
“I think he has demonstrated his experience in various situations. His composure and understanding of what is required have been impressive.
“Whatever will happen with England will unfold, but he has certainly put himself back in contention, if he was ever out of it. From my perspective, I hope he gets selected and goes.”
