Carrick braced for tough Villa testby RivalsDM
Michael Carrick believes Manchester United will have to be at the very top of their game if they are to beat Aston Villa on Saturday.
Just seven days after United were beaten at the Emirates Stadium, Villa came out on top against Arsenal on the same ground to maintain their push for a top-four slot.
At the same time, the Red Devils were getting back to winning ways, registering their biggest win of the season, 5-0, against newly-promoted Stoke.
But Carrick knows his team-mates must maintain that form if they are to keep up with current pacesetters Chelsea and Liverpool - and the England midfielder believes they will.
"We know what Aston Villa bring to the table," said Carrick, a team-mate of Gareth Barry and Gabriel Agbonlahor in victory for England in Berlin on Wednesday.
"They have got some good players and some young players with bags of energy and enthusiasm.
"For them to go to the Emirates and win says a lot and will put them in confident mood.
"But if we play like we can, we are confident we will win the game."
United usually do win at Villa Park. In fact of their last 12 visits, they have emerged victorious on 11 occasions. Throw in a few famous FA Cup semi-final triumphs as well and it is little wonder Sir Alex Ferguson regards it as one of his favourite grounds.
It is certainly the ideal place to launch another Premier League title drive, with Carrick claiming United still have what it takes despite slipping eight points off the pace.
"There are no doubts within our camp," he said.
"We know what is required and what is expected of us.
"Matches will come thick and fast now but we have the squad to cope.
"There is still a long way to go and we are confident we will be there at the end of the season."
Aside from the usual bumps and bruises, Ferguson is sweating on the return of three players from Brazil.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson were all involved in Portugal's defeat to Brazil in Brasilia.
Ferguson is not expecting to see the trio until later today and must then assess whether they are in any fit state to play.
At least Argentina's Carlos Tevez was spared a lengthy journey after the encounter with Scotland at Hampden Park, while Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney are expected to have recovered from back and calf injuries respectively.
