Carrick: Time To Kick On

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick hopes the Reds can carry recently-gained momentum into the busy festive period, starting with the match against Stoke on Tuesday.

The England international, who played a key role in United’s 3-0 victory over Hull on Saturday, was encouraged by another assured display and urged his team-mates to build on three straight wins.

“It was a good performance and a good win,” Carrick told MUTV. “We controlled the game from the start and played some really good football. Hopefully they'll be more of the same on Tuesday.”

The Reds' no.16 also told the club’s official TV channel that he hopes manager Louis van Gaal can now maintain a settled XI after a spate of injuries have led to a stop-start opening to the campaign.

“Our downfall this season is that we've had to change the team too much and we haven't had a consistent run with this squad,” Carrick explained. “Hopefully that will change now and it's nice to have a game so quick so we can keep that momentum going.

“It's been strange in some ways [having no midweek games] compared to what we've been used to over the years but it's something that we've got to grips with. It was a good performance and win against Hull but it's behind us now and our focus is on Tuesday.”

The midfielder was also keen to praise team-mate Robin van Persie after the Dutchman responded to recent criticism from some quarters with a stunning second-half goal against the Tigers.

“It was some strike! It was only really half a chance, but he's controlled it and smashed it into the top corner.

“It's great when the boys up front are creating chances and scoring goals. If we can do what we did on Saturday on a more regular basis we'll be a real threat.”