Carrick relishes first taste of ‘War of the Roses’ against Leeds

MICHAEL Carrick is relishing Manchester United’s FA Cup clash with bitter rivals Leeds here tomorrow and feels Alex Ferguson’s side are on the verge of a fine burst of form.

United go into the new year two points off the Premier League leaders Chelsea, safely through to the knock-out phase of the Champions League and with the first leg of their League Cup semi-final against Manchester City to come next week.

Even so, England midfielder Carrick accepts United have not hit top gear yet during the campaign.

The Old Trafford club have lost five matches in the Premier League and have been beset by defensive injuries.

Those problems at the back are starting to clear up, with Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic forming what looks like a solid central defensive partnership.

Ferguson intends to use his youngsters in the League Cup against City but has said he will opt for a strong selection against Division Three leaders Leeds, often tagged as the ‘War of the Roses’.

The Yorkshire club, who pipped Ferguson’s men to the domestic title in 1992, have been in the third division of English football for three years but as recently as a decade ago were significant top-flight contenders.

The teams’ first meeting since Leeds were relegated in 2004 is eagerly awaited and the visitors are set to bring 9,000 supporters to Old Trafford.

But Carrick is looking forward to his first taste of this most intense of fixtures.

“Experiencing those types of feisty atmospheres are why you play football,” Carrick said.

“Rivalries like that add extra spice. It is great for the fans and good for the players.

“No matter where you play, or whether the atmosphere is for or against you, it is a great feeling to play.

“Besiktas were very hostile when we went there earlier this season (in the Champions League) but it was still terrific to play in.

“Leeds are bringing a lot of fans and we are looking forward to it. It should be a cracking game.”

United have lost two of their last five matches at home but beat Wigan 5-0 last time out and Carrick is desperate for them to continue their improvement at Old Trafford against Leeds.

“We have not hit top form all season, especially at home,” Carrick conceded. “We have just been doing enough to get through. We know we are better than that and now is the time to do it.

“It is a busy time until the end of the season. We need to get a run going and start playing some good football.

“We are in a good position in the league, we have the FA Cup coming up, we are through to the Champions League last 16 and reached the League Cup semi-finals.

“We have done as much as we can so far. Now is the time to really drive on and achieve things again. That is why we are here.”

Ferguson has hinted that Gary Neville will play against Leeds and he will use a similar side to the one that thrashed Wigan 5-0 in midweek.

Leeds have not won at Old Trafford since 1981 and they go into tomorrow’s match as huge underdogs. — AFP

Tags: English FA Cup, FA Cup 2009/10, Manchester United, Michael Carrick