Carrick: We Have Much To Aim For

Michael Carrick insists Manchester United can take heart from Sunday's draw against Chelsea, despite letting what would have been a significant victory slip from the team's grasp late on.

Louis van Gaal’s men were within a few minutes of deservedly coming away with a 1-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge, but Diego Costa’s injury-time strike resulted in a share of the spoils, much to the Reds' frustration.

United had the better of the possession across the 90 minutes - 51 per cent compared to Chelsea's 49 per cent - and found the target with seven of the 17 shots on goal. Carrick was proud of how the Reds performed and says the players will use the impressive aspects of the display for the remaining challenges in the league, Europa League and Emirates FA Cup in a busy February.

The midfielder told ManUtd.com: "I think it was a big day for us in terms of the league situation. If we’d have gone there and got a win we’d have been in good shape, but it wasn’t to be and it makes things harder for us.

"It’s hard to take, losing two points so late on. I know we were under pressure for the last 10 or 15 minutes but to lose a goal like that is disappointing and that’s the overall feeling.

"I thought we played well and produced some really good football. We looked dangerous going forward and defended well for most of the game. We just didn’t do the right things at the right time near the end and see the game out.

"We have to battle on though, keep going and play something like we have been doing over the last few weeks and then see where that takes us.

"There is plenty to play for this month and of course plenty of points to play for in the league. We’re not giving anything up just yet."