Michael Carrick says it would mean more for Manchester United to
secure the Premier League-Champions League double this season than
last term.
After confirming superiority over their domestic rivals for the
third season on the trot last weekend, United are preparing for
Wednesday’s eagerly anticipated showdown with Barcelona in
Rome.
No side has retained the European Cup since AC Milan in 1990
and, until the Red Devils did it this season, no holder of the
trophy had even reached the final a year later since Juventus did
it in 1997.
Such rare occurrences leave Carrick in no doubt victory on May
27 would elevate the current United side into the pantheon of great
teams.
“If we did the double again this year, it would be more
special,” said the England midfielder.
“It was almost unbelievable to do it last year. To do it two
years on the bounce would suggest we are a great team.
“Teams have won Champions Leagues in the past but if you do it
alongside winning your domestic league, twice, it really suggests
you have something good going.”
It is that aura of being a super club which so many of Carlos
Tevez’s team-mates hope will be a persuasive force to keep the
Argentina star at Old Trafford on a permanent basis once his
two-year loan deal expires in two games’ time.
Winning next week would clearly be a big help as well, reviving
the jubilation experienced in Moscow, the drug Carrick cannot get
enough of.
“The feeling of winning drives you,” said the former Tottenham
player.
“That feeling when you have been successful and you are going to
lift the trophy becomes addictive.
“Nothing can replace that feeling. The buzz after Moscow last
season was incredible.
“I would say if we do it again this year it would be even
better, just because we have done it before and know how tough it
is to win it.”
For all his preference to play a strong side at Hull on Sunday
so there will be no D-day complaints from the north-east as the
relegation battle is concluded, few of Ferguson’s likely squad will
make the journey to East Yorkshire.
Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand need a game so could be involved,
while Cristiano Ronaldo will want to play to have a chance of
securing the golden boot in his personal duel with Nicolas
Anelka.
Nani should also start, although he has been used sparingly
since his awful first-half display against Tottenham last
month.
The only other senior figure expected to play is Darren
Fletcher, who knows he must watch from the stands at the Stadio
Olimpico, a harsh punishment indeed for a perfectly fair tackle on
Cesc Fabregas.