Carrick: Confidence Growing

Michael Carrick admits Manchester United's lengthy unbeaten run is filling the team with confidence following the 0-0 derby draw.

United have not lost since being beaten by Chelsea at home in early April and, including the Community Shield, have now gone 25 games without defeat.

The run has taken the Red Devils through to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup and to the brink of the UEFA Champions League knock-out phase, but they do trail Premier League leaders Chelsea by four points.

A dour 0-0 draw at local rivals City on Wednesday maintained United's spell and Carrick felt the visitors were trying to win at Eastlands.

"We were certainly the team pushing to win the game," said Carrick.

"Our possession of the ball was excellent at times, but the final ball and final shot didn't fall for us or open them up, which was frustrating.

"But we are still on a long unbeaten run and that fills us with confidence."

United captain Nemanja Vidic also stressed the team's commitment to winning and was satisfied with another clean sheet.

"Our mentality is always to win," said Vidic. "Nothing changes.

"It doesn't matter whether it is at Manchester City or at Aston Villa on Saturday. Our target is always to win the game and even this time, we are disappointed not to.

"We were solid and we defended as a group.

"If you look at the past games we lost quite a few goals. Now we are keeping clean sheets, which is a bonus to take from the game."