Manchester United: Difficulty of derby clash and Arsenal trip made my life easier, claims Carrick

Michael Carrick believes the difficulty of his first two games in interim charge of Manchester United helped focused minds at Old Trafford.

Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim in January on a deal until the end of the season and has made a wonderful start with wins over Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.

Facing the current top two teams in the Premier League so early in his tenure could have been seen as a major problem for the former United midfielder but he says the size of the challenges actually made his job easier.

He said: ”Coming in at the start and the games go so quickly, it was kind of step-by-step so I wasn’t looking too far ahead. The first two games were standout games and we expected a tough start and in some ways that helped get the whole group focused and alive.

“Over time we got a vague idea of what we wanted to look like and since we’ve been here that becomes a lot clearer in what direction we want to go in and how we want to play. We feel confident that we’ve got a lot of growth in the team and squad.”

Manchester United face Tottenham test on Saturday

Next up for United, who are fourth in the table, is a clash with Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime.

Spurs have struggled under Thomas Frank but are unbeaten in four games in all competitions, the latest of which saw them hit back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Manchester City last weekend.

“They certainly bring a challenge,” Carrick said of the North London side. “The way they finished the game the other day… they’ve had players injured, ins and outs and a lot of changes to the team which makes things more challenging and difficult from their perspective.

“They’re getting players back, they have really good attackers that look to stretch the back-line and play forward and attack the box a lot. A slightly different game to what we’ve played in recent weeks in some ways but we’re looking forward to it and we’re in a good place.

“The boys have worked well again this week. Feet on the ground, let’s not get carried away with what’s gone on. It’s about what’s next – big challenge ahead but we’re looking forward to it.”

Carrick to attend Munich Air Crash ceremony tomorrow

Carrick brought forward his media conference to this afternoon so he can attend tomorrow’s service that will mark the anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster that killed 23 people, including eight United players, in 1958.

There will also be a tribute before the game at the weekend and Carrick is well aware of its significance.

He said: ”It means a great deal. As soon as you come here, you’re made aware and you can’t help but know and understand the history. It’s a responsibility when you work, or play or coach here to know what came before us and the behaviours and responsibilities we need to carry through.

“Munich is the probably biggest part of the history of this club – the tragedy itself and how the team and football club bounced back. Sir Alex [Ferguson] mentioned it when I came, it was important to him and to us, and it’s become a way of life for the club. It’s important we carry it on.

“Being aware of it and around it, you really feel that emotion. Inside the stadium on Saturday we’ll feel it as well.”