Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick says he is fully embracing the challenge ahead as his side prepare to face Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Carrick has made an impressive start to life as interim boss, winning six of his eight matches in charge and guiding United into third place in the Premier League. A fifth consecutive home win would go a long way towards securing Champions League football for next season, with Villa arriving off the back of a Europa League tie against Lille in midweek.
The United manager began his pre-match media duties by speaking warmly about Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, a player he previously worked with. Carrick admitted he had some initial doubts about how Rogers would settle at Villa Park following his January move, but says the England international has surpassed all expectations.
“It is fantastic for me to see Morgan going on to do so well. He is taking huge steps quickly and being a major part of their team and part of the England team as well. It just shows how well he has done. I enjoy seeing him do so well,” Carrick said.
United head into the game having had over 10 days to reflect on a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on March 4, their first loss under Carrick. Asked whether facing Villa represents his toughest test yet, the interim boss refused to dwell on the setback and instead looked ahead with confidence.
“I understand with it being the first defeat it feels a little bit different, but it is going to come at some point. You look through the league, it is a tough league. We know where we can improve, what we can do better, and we are taking a lot of confidence from what we have shown we can achieve,” he said.
“There is an awful lot to play for, so I am fully embracing the situation at the moment and looking forward to the next game.” Sonnet 4.6
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