Carrick tells why tough fixtures 'helped' him in his task as Man Utd boss

Michael Carrick says why he feels his fine start at the helm of Manchester United was helped by clashes with Manchester City and Arsenal.

While two of the toughest games in the Premier League, Carrick revealed that the matches aided his task of getting the group "focused".

He is in charge until the end of the season and tells how he won't allow himself to think any further ahead.

"Coming in at the start and with the games so quickly it was step by step, I wasn't thinking too far ahead," he told a press conference.

"People obviously were saying at the time that the first two games were stand out games and expecting a tough start, that in some way helped to get the whole group focused and alive going into both games.

"But I didn't look too far ahead, I couldn't allow myself to do that. Certainly over time we have a vague idea of what we want it to look like and that becomes a lot clearer and how we want to play.

"The three wins have been fantastic in different ways, we are confident we have a lot of growth in the team and the squad."

Talking ahead of the clash with Tottenham he has also given team news. Patrick Dorgu will be absent with a hamstring injury, while Matthijs de Ligt – who has not played since November 30 – and Mason Mount are also sidelined.

“Probably Mason (will be available) sooner,” Carrick said ahead of facing his former club Spurs. “He’s not too far away really, so we’re hopeful it won’t be too long at all for Mase.

“Matta, he’s working his way back, he’s taking good steps and he’s improving. It’s been really positive. It’s a little bit too soon at the moment but, hopefully, it won’t be too long as well.”

Carrick held his pre-match press conference duties on Thursday in order to attend Friday’s Old Trafford service marking 68 years since the Munich Air Disaster.

“It means a great deal,” the former United midfielder said. “As soon as you come (to this club), you’re made aware, and you can’t help but know and understand the history.

“I think it’s a responsibility that when you work here, you play, you coach, you understand what’s come before us, and behaviours and responsibilities that we need to carry through.

“Munich is probably the biggest part of the history of this club in terms of the tragedy itself, how the team and the football club bounced back from it and then went on to success, and everything from there was carried on.

“Sir Alex (Ferguson), when I came, would mention it. It was important to him, it was important to us and then it ends up becoming a way of life and a way of the club.

“I think it’s important that we carry it on. I was here for the 50th, I was here for the 60th…see about the 70th, we’re not sure yet.

“But being aware of it and being around it, especially in them moments, you really feel emotion, to be honest with you, and inside the stadium on Saturday I’m sure we’ll feel it as well.”