Michael Carrick: Now watch United go

Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by The Sun

Michael Carrick: Now watch United go
MOVE OVER ... Michael Carrick says Man United are clicking into top gear

MICHAEL CARRICK insists Manchester United are in a prime position to launch a New Year assault on the Premier League title.

The midfielder points out the Red Devils are in better shape right now than they were at the same stage last season, as they continue their pursuit of Manchester City.

Carrick said: "City have set the standard and not dropped many points but there's a cluster of clubs behind them which we're heading up, so we're quite happy with the way things have gone.

"Of course we'd prefer to be on top but we're actually in a better position than last season and, hopefully, we'll be even closer to them come the end of the year."

United are actually five points better off after 15 games than they were at the same stage last season, when they went on to claim a 19th title.

Since losing the Manchester derby 6-1 at home, United have won five of their six league games and drawn the other against Newcastle.

While they are City's closest challengers, Carrick acknowledges there are others not far behind.

Carrick, 30, said: "We've seen a lot of the big teams move up the table — Tottenham have been on a great run, Arsenal have come on strong and Liverpool are picking up points too.

"It may stay like that for a bit — even going into February or March you can have three or four involved and then it ends up being only two.

"The important thing for us at the moment is making sure we stick close to those teams and, hopefully, get that top spot as soon as we can."

Carrick also has his eyes on the New Year FA Cup date with neighbours City as he aims to add the missing medal to his title and Champions League gongs.

He said: "It was typical of the Cup for that tie to come out, wasn't it? I'm one of a few players in the dressing room who haven't won the FA Cup and it's a trophy we all really want.

"We're fully aware of how big the occasion will be and, while there's an element of wanting to put things right after the last two games against them, we'll just be focused on getting through to the next round. Hopefully, we can do that."

Carrick missed last week's disastrous European defeat at Basel due to suspension but he was back for the 4-1 league win over Wolves and in the same good form that he has been showing in recent weeks.

He puts it down to getting more regular starts of late.

Carrick said: "It's been nice to be playing two or three games a week and getting into a rhythm and I've been enjoying my football.

"Everyone wants to be playing all the time but we all understand the situation and know the boss will rotate things.

"You've just got to keep producing the kind of form that will keep you in the team."

Basel's interim coach HEIKO VOGEL was given the job on a permanent basis last night — five days after leading them into the Champions League last 16 at United's expense.

Vogel, 36, helped the Swiss take seven points from their final three group games to qualify for the knockout stage.