Michael Carrick is looking forward to guiding Manchester United back into the “magical” Champions League, although he acknowledged that playing on Thursday evening before Sunday’s derby was “not ideal”.
United host Sabah at Old Trafford as they return to the Champions League following a two-year absence. The Azerbaijani side, founded less than 10 years ago, are appearing in Europe’s premier club competition for the first time.
“It is a magical tournament,” said Carrick, who lifted the trophy with United in 2008. “Being away from it reminds you just how special it is, and once you return, you want to take full advantage. Over the years, this competition has given us many extraordinary nights and unforgettable emotions.
“This is where we belong and where we have wanted to return. It is the ultimate competition for testing yourself against the strongest teams. We are thrilled to be involved again, but we have not come simply to enjoy the experience. Our aim is to compete seriously and progress as far as we can.
“Winning the Champions League was the pinnacle for me and the greatest feeling I have experienced. Hopefully, I can enjoy that feeling again one day.”
United have had an uneven opening to their Premier League season, collecting four points from their first three matches. The coming months could prove demanding for a squad that played only 40 games last season. Should they advance to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, they will face a packed schedule without a free midweek until the middle of January.
Manchester City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday and will have two additional days to recover after playing in Porto on Tuesday. Asked about the short turnaround, Carrick said he was not worried.
“I would not describe the schedule as ideal, but we have not spent much time thinking about it. It is beyond our control, so we must accept the situation, adapt to it and make the best of what we have been given.”
Luke Shaw, United’s only senior left-back, was absent from Wednesday’s training session after receiving an extra day to recover. Carrick said: “We will assess him tomorrow, but this is not related to a continuing issue or part of a predetermined plan.”
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