Despite having three games to play before the start of the Premier League season Manchester United’s midfield maestro Michael Carrick is already raring to go.
The Reds still have two pre-season matches to complete, as well as the small matter of a trip to Wembley to take on Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield.
However, despite the upcoming games Carrick has his eyes firmly set on the start of the Champions’ title defence against Swansea City.
“Now is the time when you really start thinking about that first game of the season,” Carrick told the club’s website.
“We’ve been back from the main part of the tour for a few days now and everyone is focused on that first game.”
While Carrick may be thinking three moves ahead he is fully aware that the upcoming matches give the team the perfect opportunity to prepare themselves for the long season.
“It’s about being ready for every game though,” he said.
“It helps with your fitness, your general play and your overall sharpness.”
United’s next pre-season match will be on Tuesday when they take on Swedish side AIK – who are already in the midst of their domestic season.
Carrick, who was in fine form last season, believes that coming up against opposition that are already in the middle of their season gives the Reds a chance to sharpen their game.
“These games are always a test because you’re often up against teams who are pretty fit whereas we’re still building our fitness up and not quite where we want to be yet,” Carrick said.
“That’s the purpose of being here and we want to make sure we perform and play well because we have great pride in ourselves and also want to represent the club in the right way.”
Image courtesy of Saadick Dhansay, with thanks
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