|
|
Manchester United are at their best when under pressure - Michael Carrick
Midfielder fires warning shot to fellow title-chasers...
9 Feb 2010 06:38:00
By Adithya Ananth
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick insists that his side put their best foot forward when under pressure.
The Red Devils have been chasing the Premier League title all season despite suffering serious problems in defence earlier, when Carrick and Darren Fletcher had to man the centre of the back line due to a lack of defensive options for manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Old Trafford outfit have traditionally fought with renewed energy during the second-half of the season, and they now have four consecutive victories in all competitions under their belts, scoring 15 goals in the process.
"We do tend to save our best form for the New Year," Carrick said, according to The Mirror.
"I'm not sure why, but maybe it's because the stakes are that bit higher now. When the pressure is cranked up it seems to bring out the best in us.
"It's not necessarily something we want to be doing, we'd rather be at our best all season. But if that's the way it is then we make the best of it.
"It's been a good couple of weeks. We've stepped up our game and we're now playing like we know we can.
"It's been frustrating at times this season, but hopefully now we can hit our best and find some consistency, which is the key."
United have been hitting all the right notes at the right time, with impressive performances against Manchester City and Arsenal, and they had little trouble brushing Portsmouth aside on Saturday.
"Last week, within four days, we had the City game and the match at Arsenal," said Carrick. "It wasn't just the results, the two performances were of a high standard for us.
"They really put us in good stead for our game against Portsmouth on Saturday and we kept it going. That wasn't a glamour game, but it was one we had to do well in and win and we did."
United now face a tricky trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The Red Devils have been chasing the Premier League title all season despite suffering serious problems in defence earlier, when Carrick and Darren Fletcher had to man the centre of the back line due to a lack of defensive options for manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Old Trafford outfit have traditionally fought with renewed energy during the second-half of the season, and they now have four consecutive victories in all competitions under their belts, scoring 15 goals in the process.
"We do tend to save our best form for the New Year," Carrick said, according to The Mirror.
"I'm not sure why, but maybe it's because the stakes are that bit higher now. When the pressure is cranked up it seems to bring out the best in us.
"It's not necessarily something we want to be doing, we'd rather be at our best all season. But if that's the way it is then we make the best of it.
"It's been a good couple of weeks. We've stepped up our game and we're now playing like we know we can.
"It's been frustrating at times this season, but hopefully now we can hit our best and find some consistency, which is the key."
United have been hitting all the right notes at the right time, with impressive performances against Manchester City and Arsenal, and they had little trouble brushing Portsmouth aside on Saturday.
"Last week, within four days, we had the City game and the match at Arsenal," said Carrick. "It wasn't just the results, the two performances were of a high standard for us.
"They really put us in good stead for our game against Portsmouth on Saturday and we kept it going. That wasn't a glamour game, but it was one we had to do well in and win and we did."
United now face a tricky trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
-
Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms
The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield
