Michael Carrick has rallied his fellow teammates ahead of Saturday's FA Cup Quarter-final clash by admitting that he is really 'desperate' to win the FA Cup with United this season
Manchester United and Arsenal have both suffered disappointments over the last week with United losing to Chelsea and Liverpool while the Gunners suffered heartbreak when they were knocked-out of the Champions League by Barcelona in midweek.
There will be an air of revenge in Old Trafford as both teams seek to bounce back quickly from their setbacks and both teams would know that a win would not only put them in the semi finals, but it will also give them a psychological edge as Arsenal and United also face each other in the title race for the Premier League.
Ahead of what seems like a fiery encounter, Michael Carrick has admitted that the Devils are hungry for FA Cup success this season after losing the final in 2007 to Chelsea.
“I was fortunate enough to play in a final at Wembley when I played against Chelsea in 2007 but we lost so my memories are not too fond. “It was hard to take losing that final. I have been lucky enough to win other trophies and I am very proud of them but missing out on this one hurts.
“I think that goes for a lot of our squad. That’s why we are so keen to get to Wembley and win this time. A lot of us are missing that medal and we want one.”
While Carrick wants a win on Saturday, he is also aware of the threat posed by the young and talented Arsenal players.
The England international continued: “Arsenal [have] obviously a very talented midfield. They showed against Barcelona in the first leg how good they can be.
“They are very skilful and dangerous and play their way. They don’t change it for anyone. We have always had good games against them and pretty close games.
"They are usually good footballing games and I am sure it can be one the fans will savour.
“We always have great respect for them because we are well aware that, when they are on their game, if you are not switched on they are very capable of beating the very best.
“It is going to be quite a showdown. These are the huge games you want to play in.”
There will be an air of revenge in Old Trafford as both teams seek to bounce back quickly from their setbacks and both teams would know that a win would not only put them in the semi finals, but it will also give them a psychological edge as Arsenal and United also face each other in the title race for the Premier League.
Ahead of what seems like a fiery encounter, Michael Carrick has admitted that the Devils are hungry for FA Cup success this season after losing the final in 2007 to Chelsea.
“I was fortunate enough to play in a final at Wembley when I played against Chelsea in 2007 but we lost so my memories are not too fond. “It was hard to take losing that final. I have been lucky enough to win other trophies and I am very proud of them but missing out on this one hurts.
“I think that goes for a lot of our squad. That’s why we are so keen to get to Wembley and win this time. A lot of us are missing that medal and we want one.”
While Carrick wants a win on Saturday, he is also aware of the threat posed by the young and talented Arsenal players.
The England international continued: “Arsenal [have] obviously a very talented midfield. They showed against Barcelona in the first leg how good they can be.
“They are very skilful and dangerous and play their way. They don’t change it for anyone. We have always had good games against them and pretty close games.
"They are usually good footballing games and I am sure it can be one the fans will savour.
“We always have great respect for them because we are well aware that, when they are on their game, if you are not switched on they are very capable of beating the very best.
“It is going to be quite a showdown. These are the huge games you want to play in.”
