Carrick: First goal crucial

abroad. Bottom-of-the-table QPR visit Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon and Carrick admits he has been surprised by their plight this season.

"[I'm surprised], but it is a hard league and sometimes when you buy players and early in the season a couple of results don't go for you, it suddenly becomes harder to win a game.

"I've been there myself with West Ham. I know how difficult it can be. We had a good squad of players but for whatever reason, it just didn't work for us that season.

"QPR have got a good squad of players and hopefully Mark Hughes can turn it round although not starting on Saturday.

"It is massively important for us to bounce back," added the England international. "We were disappointed with the result against Galatasaray but we are in a good position in this group. The Norwich game was disappointing too.

"We are normally very good at bouncing back and after losing back-to-back games we will look to do that on Saturday."

More: Sir Alex praises QPR pair | Jones impresses Carrick