Carrick: The more opportunities, the better

The additional 'European Performance Slot' was solidified on Tuesday evening after Arsenal earned a 1-0 win over Sporting from their quarter-final first-leg tie in Portugal.

Carrick is clear that the top competition is where United want to be and, although we want to finish as high up the table as possible, more leeway certainly helps.

Read what he had to say, or watch down below, as our return to Premier League action closes in...

Michael, it's great to see you. Fans can’t wait for the game on Monday night against Leeds, it’s been a while since we last played. Is it the best possible way to restart under the lights at Old Trafford?
“We can’t wait. It’s been a strange couple of weeks for us and the boys that have been here, for some of the boys it has been normal going away on international break. It doesn’t feel as big of a deal if you just look at it instead of going it’s been 24 days in-between games as there has been a lot going on between it. I have to say the lads have come back together this week and there has been a real nice freshness and a good feeling, an energetic, positive vibe going around, which is really good. We are definitely looking forward to it and it can’t come quick enough now.”

This is a fixture you didn’t experience much as a player?
“I know, I only ever played in the one League Cup game, which was away. I didn’t play in the FA Cup game which was at Old Trafford, but I am fully aware of the history and I have watched plenty of games in the past. I know what it means to so many people, the supporters and the rivalry, it’s great. It’s part of football and why we love it. For us going against them and them coming against us, we are really looking forward to the game. Every game is a little bit different, some more normal than others, but when some have a little bit of a twist and bit of difference about it, you have to embrace it and this is certainly one of them.”

What do you expect from them?
“I think they are a really good team. I think Daniel [Farke] has adapted from when they were in the Championship and I was at Middlesbrough. They are a really dangerous team who have evolved in certain things, adapted in certain things. But I think they have had a really good season and they don’t give a lot away, especially recently. They have defended really well and it will be a tough game, a really tough game.”

How’s the squad shaping up?
“We are in good shape. The boys came back generally from internationals in a good way, so that is pleasing, especially when they go away and play so many games. When you have so many that go away, you are always hoping they come back okay and for the most part they have, so we are happy with that.”

Diogo [Dalot] didn’t travel to Dublin with you, how is he?
“Yeah he is okay and back with the group. That’s another positive as well.”