Carrick: Manchester United comparisons can wait until after Champions League final

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Red Devils face Chelsea in Moscow on Wednesday after clinching the Barclays Premier League title last weekend.

Save the comparisons: Michael Carrick

Carrick, 26, thinks that although his side arguably play more attractive football than the United side of nine years ago judgement should be reserved for the time being.

"I've watched the final a few times since 1999 but until we win the Champions League, how can you compare the two sides?" Carrick told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"It's okay saying we play good football and have good players, but until we win more honours, it's hard to compare.

"All the players are well aware of the history of this club and 1999 was a massive year and is the one year that stands out.

"The Champions League final is a massive event. Some people say it is even better than international football with the quality of all the club sides involved."

Wednesday's Champions League final appearance is United's first since their dramatic 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in Barcelona in 1999.

And Chelsea - who were United's main rivals for the league title - stand between them and Sir Alex Ferguson's second European Cup in 22 years as manager.

Carrick admits edging out Avram Grant's side on the domestic front is of no particular advantage as their loss in last season's FA Cup final proved.

"[Winning the league] gives us a boost but I don't think it will have any affect on the result in Moscow," Carrick added.

"It fills us with confidence and self-belief that we are sat on top of the league at the end of the season, and it shows us we are doing things the right way.

"But we know the threat that Chelsea possess and it isn't a given right that we are going to win."