Comparisons can wait - Carrick - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Comparisons can wait - Carrick

Michael Carrick believes comparisons can only be made between Manchester United's current crop of players and the treble-winning side of 1999 after the Champions League final.

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

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking