redmaster
05-02-2007, 11:56 PM
Michael Carrick insists Manchester United are unconcerned by the returns of Chelsea captain John Terry and goalkeeper Petr Cech.
United restored their six-point Premiership lead over Chelsea by thrashing Tottenham 4-0 at White Hart Lane on Sunday, with Carrick enjoying his return to the club he left in the summer.
After looking so assured in defence during their back-to-back titles, Jose Mourinho's men looked shaky recently without the injured Terry and Cech.
Carrick said: "Chelsea's challenge was always going to be strong, and it could be stronger now they have Terry and Cech back in the side. But it's not something we focus on.
"We're in a good position; we've earned that and we don't want to let it slip. It's up to us to get a good result every week.
"Chelsea have played well in big games, and I think there will still be plenty of twists and turns."
Chelsea's win on Saturday closed the gap for a day, but United responded in style with a 4-0 win over Spurs - after Cristiano Ronaldo angered home fans when he won a dubious penalty for the opener.
"We didn't feel any pressure after Chelsea had closed the gap on Saturday," added Carrick.
"It's up to us what we do, and we know if we win the right amount of games we will win the league.
"We are not looking over our shoulder and worrying about Chelsea. I think we showed that we are good enough to go away from home when the pressure is on and get the result."
Ronaldo, as he has all season, responded to jeers from the crowd by dazzling on the flanks - while the chorus of boos aimed at Carrick eventually died down.
"If we win the title it will back up my decision to leave," said Carrick.
"I left for the right reasons and I'm desperate to win the title, although it was the right move for me anyway.
"I've improved a lot since last year and I want to keep improving.
"When you play in a great team like this, which is winning the majority of games, your confidence is high; it's only going to make me a better player."
United restored their six-point Premiership lead over Chelsea by thrashing Tottenham 4-0 at White Hart Lane on Sunday, with Carrick enjoying his return to the club he left in the summer.
After looking so assured in defence during their back-to-back titles, Jose Mourinho's men looked shaky recently without the injured Terry and Cech.
Carrick said: "Chelsea's challenge was always going to be strong, and it could be stronger now they have Terry and Cech back in the side. But it's not something we focus on.
"We're in a good position; we've earned that and we don't want to let it slip. It's up to us to get a good result every week.
"Chelsea have played well in big games, and I think there will still be plenty of twists and turns."
Chelsea's win on Saturday closed the gap for a day, but United responded in style with a 4-0 win over Spurs - after Cristiano Ronaldo angered home fans when he won a dubious penalty for the opener.
"We didn't feel any pressure after Chelsea had closed the gap on Saturday," added Carrick.
"It's up to us what we do, and we know if we win the right amount of games we will win the league.
"We are not looking over our shoulder and worrying about Chelsea. I think we showed that we are good enough to go away from home when the pressure is on and get the result."
Ronaldo, as he has all season, responded to jeers from the crowd by dazzling on the flanks - while the chorus of boos aimed at Carrick eventually died down.
"If we win the title it will back up my decision to leave," said Carrick.
"I left for the right reasons and I'm desperate to win the title, although it was the right move for me anyway.
"I've improved a lot since last year and I want to keep improving.
"When you play in a great team like this, which is winning the majority of games, your confidence is high; it's only going to make me a better player."