Carrick Hopes To Smell More Success

Michael Carrick is hoping to be able to smell success again with Manchester United as the Reds aim to begin a Premier League title challenge at Bournemouth on Sunday.

The midfielder has welcomed Paul Pogba into the squad as the fourth major addition of Jose Mourinho's reign and admits the victory over Leicester City in last weekend's Community Shield has raised morale further in time for the big kick-off.

"Sunday has given us a good start and a positive feeling around the place to be confident going into the first games of the season and beyond," Carrick told MUTV.

"It's always exciting and always a feeling of what's going to happen looking forward, not just this week and next week but towards the end of the season when we're looking to be challenging for trophies; fighting on all fronts is what we need to be doing. 
"We're focused on that end goal. We want to put ourselves in the position in the coming months to really challenge - getting that feeling back and smelling that success come Christmas time. You can't beat that feeling, that something special is around the corner, and we need to get to that point."

Carrick is pleased the world-record deal to sign Pogba has been finalised in time for the Frenchman to link up with the squad this week.

"A transfer fee is a transfer fee," he explained. "I don't think that matters too much really. I think it's more about getting the best players you can through the door and we've certainly done that this summer. All four players are going to be great for this club. 

"Paul being the last one is massive news. It has gone on for a few weeks and I think he's as delighted as much as anyone that it's done now and he can focus on his football. I've said all along, since I've been here, the club needs the best players in the squad to push each other and challenge each other. Certainly, we've been given that this summer."