Michael Carrick insists Manchester United’s players must put in the hard graft in their pre-season tour if they have to have another successful campaign.
Carrick, 31, was part of a United team that last season won their 20th league title as Sir Alex Ferguson ended his glorious 26-year reign at Old Trafford.
And as David Moyes takes up the reigns as United manager, Carrick believes he and his colleagues have a key month ahead of them.
“A good pre-season gives you that base you need to keep going throughout the season,” he told United’s official website. “If you miss pre-season, you have to play catch-up.
“I think it’s a vital part of the year – it’s important to get through pre-season and steer clear of injuries and be ready for the games at the start of the campaign.
“Every player is different. Some can come back and get straight back into it but others take a bit more time.”
United’s pre-season tour takes them to the Far East – playing in Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong – and Sweden to hone their fitness levels.
And Carrick feels the fanatical support the Red Devils receive in Asia offers a reminder to him and his team-mates of how big the club is.
“I still remember the first time I went there with United and how were mobbed as soon as we arrived at the airport,” the England international explained.
“It was something I’d never really experienced and it made me realise how big this club really is.
“It’s crazy. One of the reasons I enjoy going there is just to see the reaction of the fans.
“It can take you back a little bit sometimes – even though they live a long way from Manchester the reaction the people give us over is amazing.”
Image courtesy of TalkSport, via YouTube, with thanks.
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