Carrick Relishing City Tie

Michael Carrick is hoping United will be the team celebrating after the blockbuster FA Cup third round tie with neighbours City in the New Year.

The Reds were paired with Roberto Mancini's table-toppers in Sunday's draw and anticipation is already building ahead of the latest derby clash. Carrick has explained how the squad's desire to lift the trophy for the first time since 2004 can provide even more incentive for the champions.

"It was typical of the cup that that tie came out wasn’t it!" he exclusively told ManUtd.com. "I’m one of a few players in the dressing room who hasn’t won the FA Cup and it’s a trophy we all really want. We’ve been close, but just haven’t managed to do it.

"We’re fully aware of how the big occasion will be, and if you want to win something you’ve got to play the better teams. It’ll obviously be very intense and a great game and, if we can win it, it’ll be a massive boost for everyone. Obviously, it hurt to lose like we did at home earlier in the season and while there's an element of wanting to put things right after the last two games against them, we’ll just be focused on getting through to the next round.

"I don’t think the result will have an effect on the title race. It'll be a blow for whoever loses, but we’ve lost big games in the past and still won the league. That isn't something we're thinking about though - we're all determined to win the cup and hopefully we’ll be the ones celebrating."