Man United’s Carrick eyes higher performance this season

Michael Carrick, midfielder for Manchester United says the club is “picking up enough points and improving as the season” continues in comparison to last season.

"We believe if we play to our potential in the qualities we have, then we have a great chance. Last year was very tough too because it was so close but hopefully we can do by this year," said Carrick.

The team suffered last season and Carrick hopes the sighing of new players may lighten the upcoming games.

“We signed a number of young players last season, so they've had an extra season to be in the club and improve and learn how things are. The experience of last season would've helped so we're still looking strong for the end of this season," said

Carrick started his career at a young age taking a big step when he played for Tottenham Hotspur before joining Manchester United in 2006.

“I just try to improve all the time and in Tottenham had some good coaches at Tottenham which helped me improve and then obviously Manchester United and its one of the best, if not the best club in the world, to play for and to learn and to improve so I've been very lucky.”

Carrick says Manchester United’s manager Alexander Ferguson keeps the team strong by keeping tough.

“He can be [tough] at times, but that makes him the great manager that he is because you know there's standards and certain levels you have to live up to and on and off the pitch.”

“You know you have responsibilities; footballers, especially at club United that so many are following and whenever we go on tour; to the Middle East to the Far East to America," he added.

The English footballer said the best time he had was winning the league and the champion’s league in the same season in 2008.

“We won the league, about a week-- ten days later-- we managed to win the champions league and the champions league for me was against Chelsea was the best experience I've ever had.”

"Everyone said that England has a good crop of players and a great crop of players capable of going on to be successful in big tournaments, but for one reason or another it hasn’t quite worked."