Carrick loving United life

The former Tottenham midfielder has managed to secure two Premier League titles as well as a European Cup in his short time with the club.

"Being at United is the best place in the world to be. The best thing I ever did was join the club," Carrick said. "The team we have is moving in the right direction and we are progressing well and we want to build on the success we've had over the last couple of years."

He added: "We expect so much of each other and ourselves. What people from outside say doesn't have an effect on us - we know what we can do and what we're capable of doing."

Carrick believes seasoned stars like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville are the root cause of United's continued success.

Carrick said: "I look at them and wonder how they've done that for so long but now I know. You can't get enough of it.

"Hopefully that will drive us on to have more success in years to come.

"We managed to win the double so as players, we're going into the new season full of confidence."

Carrick, however, has yet to catch the eye of Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson believes the new England boss is spoiled for choice in central midfield.

"I think in the England set-up over the last few years it's correct to say all the managers have had bigger options there than in any other position," said the United boss. "It's hard to say what the best midfield is. That makes it difficult for the coach."