Michael Carrick’s first away goal for United means the Reds are
more likely to win the title at home this Saturday.
The midfielder’s stunning 86th-minute strike at the JJB Stadium turned a battling draw with Wigan into a
hard-fought victory and reduced the league points required in the
remaining two games – at home to Arsenal, then Hull away – to just
one.
“It was a massive three points for us tonight,” Carrick told
MUTV.
“Obviously it now looks good for us. I think it’s only been done
once before, winning the title at home, so it would be great if we
can do it again. But we’re not getting carried away, we’ve got to
respect Arsenal for how good they are. We know we’ve still got a
job to do.”
It was job done at Wigan thanks to two Carrick shots – one
turned in by Carlos Tevez and the other that flew direct past Wigan
goalkeeper Richard Kingson into the top left-hand corner.
“it was an up and down night in front of goal for me but we won
the game and I’m delighted with that,” said Carrick.
“My goal made up for the chance I missed in the first half
really. I was just concentrating on hitting the target and once I
saw it was going in, I was off to celebrate it. I nearly broke
Wazza’s (Wayne Rooney’s) neck with the celebration but he’s all
right now!
“I also hit or mishit the shot that Carlos scored from. I’d like
to say it was a pass from me but no, it was a shot.
“If you try your luck, things can happen and thankfully Carlos
finished it off in great style. After that, it was just about us
getting the winner. Happily tonight it was me who scored it but it
could have been anyone. It’s a great night for us.”
Mike’s left foot
“I think three of my goals this season have been scored with my
left foot.
“I was just concentrating on hitting the target and once I saw
it was going in, I was off to celebrate it. I nearly broke Wazza’s
neck with the celebration but he’s all right now.”
- Michael Carrick