Michael Carrick has called on Manchester United to reassert
their authority on The Premiership, as the title race starts to hot
up.
Portsmouth overtook The Reds at the top of the table on Saturday
and Carrick's side then lost their perfect record with a
disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
United are now only ahead of champions Chelsea on goal difference,
five points ahead of Liverpool and seven ahead of The Gunners, who
still have a game in hand.
After failing to play catch up for the last three seasons, the
£18.6 million man is targeting a victory against top flight
newcomers Reading to keep up their title ambitions.
"We were disappointed to lose against Arsenal because it was such a
huge game but even so, we have given ourselves a platform and we
are definitely in the mix.
"It is vital we do not slip because then we have to start chasing
other teams and it becomes difficult.
United lacked a cutting edge against Arsene Wenger's men, as the
England international made way for John O'Shea in the middle of
midfield.
With Wayne Rooney not yet firing on all cylinders and Nemanja Vidic
returning to fitness to strengthen the backline, Carrick believes
there is still much more to come from Sir Alex Ferguson's
side.
"We have played ever so well in a couple of matches but we have not
really hit top form yet," he said.
United have the chance to bounce back against The Royals live on
Prem Plus from 5.15pm on Saturday.
