Manchester United midfielder Carrick feeling 'refreshed and revived' ahead of new season

Jul 21, 2012 12:10:00 AM

The Red Devils midfielder, who controversially ruled himself out of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad, believes a seven-week break has prepared him well for the upcoming season

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick feels "refreshed and revived" ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

The 31-year-old was not part of England's Euro 2012 squad after controversially asking not to be considered if he was only going to play a bit-part role for his country.

When asked about his international future, the ex-West Ham player avoided the question but said that ahead of the Red Devils' pre-season friendly against Ajax Cape Town that the longer break has proved fruitful.

“I have had as long a rest as I have had in my own career really," Carrick told reporters.

"It was seven weeks. At this stage, I feel refreshed and revived. Sometimes you need that break to go again."

United saw rivals Manchester City deny them their 20th league title in the dying seconds of the last campaign, after Sergio Aguero's last-gasp winner against QPR.

Carrick, however, believes that United have what it takes to bounce back and clinch silverware this season.

He added: "The enthusiasm, determination, desire and everything is there, especially the way we finished last season.

"In terms of not winning the league, we want to bounce back and start again.

"That is exactly how I feel. I am determined to start the season well and win trophies again for this club."

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 to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

Real Madrid are better off without Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he's leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Now or never for Wenger to seal legacy
The Gunners sealed a place in next season's Champions League with victory at Newcastle on Sunday - and must now spend money to improve the squad over the summer
And Goal.com's World Player of the Week is ...
Check out which star man gets the nod from our panel of experts this week ...
Goal's Serie A awards for 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season