Michael Carrick has made it clear that Manchester United’s return to Champions League football is about more than simply being back among Europe’s elite.
Manchester United missed out on the competition for several seasons, but their strong finish last term secured their place back at the top of the table. Carrick sees that as where the club should be aiming every year.
“It means an awful lot, you know. It’s challenging yourself against the elite and the very best and I’ve said it before I think it’s over a long, long, long period of time this football club’s been used to challenging with the best and being the best,” Carrick said ahead of the Champions League game against Sabah.
He added that United cannot take that position for granted and must now work to remain there.
“It means a lot. It’s where we want to be every single year and it’s where we should expect to be without being ahead of ourselves.”
Michael Carrick wary of Sabah threat
United begin their Champions League campaign against Sabah, who are making their debut in the competition.
Carrick has clearly done his homework on the Azerbaijani side and believes they deserve plenty of respect despite being newcomers to Europe’s biggest club competition.
“They’re a very well-coached team. You can see that quite clearly, their ideas, the principles that they have that are repeatable and they have some really good things,” he said.
Carrick also pointed to Sabah’s recent results, confidence and ability to play through the pitch. Their movement and connections in possession have impressed him, while their pressing as a team is another area United will have to deal with.
Man Utd make major academy change under Michael Carrick
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Man Utd vs Sabah referee confirmed as Willy Delajod appointed