Michael Carrick is not afraid of competition for places at
Manchester United - in fact he relishes the
challenge.
The £18million midfielder, a summer signing for Tottenham, has been
pleased with his progress in the first half of the season at Old
Trafford. United take a break from Barclays Premiership duty - they
lie six points ahead of Chelsea at the top of the table - when they
entertain Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Carrick said: "I have made quite a contribution in terms of games
played and am happy with that. It has gone pretty well. "We are in
a good place in the table after the festive programme and that is
encouraging. "From a personal point of view, there is always more
to come and I need to improve. I am working hard to do that. "While
there is competition for places at United, there is no rivalry in
any way.
"We all get on well and the manager tends to change things around.
That's fine, it keeps you on your toes and at your best. Even in
training you have to be on top of your game. "That's a good thing
because when you come into a match you are always sharp and raring
to go."
United took 10 points from a possible 12 over Christmas to keep
Chelsea at arms length. Now they face a different challenge in the
cup and one Carrick aims to make strides in. He said: "When you are
playing well and winning, you look forward to playing matches. "It
does not matter whether it is a cup tie or a league game - you just
want to express yourself.
"We have to be challenging for things at this club. "The FA Cup is
a massive trophy - and United have a tremendous record over the
years. "I have played in quarter-finals but that's as close as it
has been and something I want to put right."
Carrick has been impressed with striker Henrik Larsson, who is
expected to make his debut in the third-round match after arriving
on loan from Helsingborg. The former Barcelona and Celtic star will
return to Sweden in March to prepare for their league season.
Carrick said: "Henrik has looked good in training. He looks sharp
and has settled in well. "Hopefully he will get a few goals in his
time with United. I am sure he will be successful here."
Former West Brom goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will make his fourth
appearance of the season as Dutch international Edwin Van der Sar
is rested.