Carrick happy for home town
Michael Carrick is delighted to see Newcastle United riding high in the Barclays Premier League but insists any childhood allegiances will be forgotten when the Reds face the Magpies at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Reds midfielder, born and raised on Tyneside, always keeps an eye out for his home-town team and has been impressed by Alan Pardew’s side this season. With 25 points from a possible 36, the North-East club are currently fourth, three points ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
“Newcastle have had a really good start," Carrick declared. "Not a lot of people would have put them up there if you had asked a few months back. But credit to them, they have stuck together and they are certainly enjoying being up there.
"They are my home-town club and the team I watched as a boy so it is great to see them at the top. The city is really thriving at the minute. They couldn't have expected to be where they are if they took a realistic view because they have had such a hard time of it over the last couple of years.
"I am glad they are doing well but obviously come Saturday, it will be different for me."
Newcastle suffered a first league defeat of the season against Manchester City last weekend, prompting some to predict a drop in confidence ahead of Saturday’s match at M16. However Carrick feels he saw enough spirit and endeavour to disprove that theory.
“Who knows whether this is the perfect time to play them. They have had a great run and they were a bit unlucky at times last weekend with the penalty and a couple of goals that could have been avoided. I am sure they will still come with confidence, come and play and do the things they have been doing to get them in this position. We are fully aware of the strengths they have, how they are as a team and how much work they put in. We will have to be ready.”