It's tough hanging on to your place in United's midfield, admits Carrick

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However it is something he is taking on the chin as the club go for glory on three fronts - Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

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Carrick: faces strong competition for his place from Scholes, Hargreaves and Park

Along with Darren Fletcher, Carrick returned to midfield and helped United thrash Newcastle 5-1 at the weekend.

But whether they will retain their places against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday remains to be seen.

Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Ji-Sung Park are all pushing to return to the starting line-up.

Anderson can also sit in midfield, although he is comfortable on the wing and that is where United have top quality as well in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Nani.

The wealth of riches must surely give manager Sir Alex Ferguson a constant selection headache and Carrick explained: "We have good variety in midfield.

"It is not a case of the players being similar. We all bring different things to the team.

"While you want to play every game, you have to accept you might be in and out of the side.

"The manager wants to keep everyone fresh and at the moment we are looking good."

Ferguson is pleased with the progress being made by Anderson, 19, and 21-year-old Nani, who arrived in the summer from Sporting Lisbon and Porto respectively.

While Anderson took a back seat at Newcastle after playing in the draw against Lyon in the Champions League, Nani played the full 90 minutes.

Ferguson said: "We are very pleased with their progress. The evidence is there for you.

"Anderson has exploded into it while Nani has taken his time.

"He has got better and better, the boy. He is a different type of player, of course - and both are doing well."

Giggs is expected to recover from a slight knee injury in time for the weekend while Ferguson will also monitor the fitness of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic ahead of the Fulham game.

Evra came off at half time at Newcastle because of a stomach virus while Vidic suffered a calf strain during the game.