Michael Carrick expects a tough test against Sunderland as he returns to action after one of his worst days as a Manchester United player.
It’s been 14 years since Sergio Aguero’s second-half goal against QPR robbed Manchester City of the Premier League title from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, turning the final day’s jubilation at the Stadium of Light into a nightmare.
United were waiting for the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium after a 1-0 win over Sunderland, but when news of the upset came through, fans celebrated the visitors’ late heartbreak.
“Yes, yes, I remember that,” said Carrick, who was part of that midfielder, with a wry smile. “I haven’t forgotten.
“Obviously, it was a one-time feeling. It wasn’t during the game, it was until after the game. We didn’t know exactly where the land was at that point.”
“So I started walking towards the edge of the pitch and had to deal with what was being thrown at me.
“It’s in the past, but it’s certainly memorable.”
With the Premier League title well ahead of United and Champions League qualification guaranteed with three games to go, there is no chance of such a painful setback on Saturday afternoon.
However, there is little chance of the third-placed Red Devils slowing down against a Sunderland side who are looking to end their memorable return to the Premier League on a high.
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Fans are desperate for him to stay.
“They have a lot to play for,” Carrick said of the Black Cats, who have exceeded expectations and sit in 12th place since promotion via the Championship play-offs.
“I think it’s a very tough situation. Sixth to 12th could be really, really tough. With three or four points, I think they have a lot of room to play.”
“They had a great season. It’s not easy to come here and get promoted and first of all stay in the league and it’s proven to be difficult in recent times.
“However, it is the result of the season they have had that they have broken into the top half and are on the verge of qualifying for Europe.”
United travel to Brighton to host Nottingham Forest and complete a 40-game season, their smallest in 111 years.
Coupled with a lack of injuries, Carrick has largely remained with the same team since taking over, but he is mindful of the chance to reward players around him with game appearances.
“I have to say every player on the team was really great,” he added.
“Some players have played a lot more than others and I understand that sometimes it’s difficult from a professional and player standpoint.
“But the unity and support the players are showing for each other is great to see.
“That’s what we need within the group and it’s also part of the challenge of not being able to play as many games as we would like, even though we’re training a lot.
“I think it’s just us being really keen to play well and still try to get a good result, but certainly that’s something to be aware of.”
Manchester United gave Cole Palmer a chance to sign
According to the Express, Cole Palmer is open to joining Manchester United this summer, despite growing dissatisfied with his poor performance at Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior insisted the England star remains “world class” but has scored just nine goals in 22 Premier League appearances this season.
The Red Devils spent £210m last summer to replenish their front line, signing Benjamin Sesco, Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo.
The report claims that United abandoned the deal because Palmer would have cost more than £90m to sign and would require him to spend more than £300m on his attacking team over 12 months.
Indeed, despite the England international’s desire to join – he was a United fan as a boy, after all – INEOS are reported to be planning to focus their summer budget on midfield and defence.
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