Carrick: Tough Challenge Ahead
Michael Carrick insists Manchester United will have a real fight on their hands this season-if they are to retain their Premiership title. The Red Devils opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japanese side Urawa Reds and the midfielder believes United will have to be even better this season to see off their rivals. “It is going to be tough to win the league this season, tougher than it was last year,” said the England star.
“We know just how hard it will be. Everyone will improve. But we are desperate to win it again and feel we will be better ourselves.
“Once you win one trophy, it is not so much that you want to win more, it is that you expect to.”
The former West Ham and Tottenham man will have to fight it out with Paul Scholes and Hargreaves for the two starting berths in the centre of midfield, although Carrick admits that he still isn’t sure how Sir Alex Ferguson plans to use the three of them.
“The manager has not said anything to us yet about the way he intends to use us all,” said Carrick.
“At the moment, we are just trying to get as fit as we can.