Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is confident his side will be challenging for the Premier League title in the closing weeks of the season despite the erratic form displayed under new manager Jose Mourinho so far.
Speaking exclusively toSky Sports, Carrick intimated that United have far too much in their locker to not deliver consistently at some point in the campaign, even while they are currently eight points behind league leaders Liverpool. United face a crucial clash with Arsenal this weekend, and Carrick knows the value of the game for his side.
He said:"Arsenal have got some really good players. When it clicks for them they are a very dangerous team and they've shown in their start to the season how dangerous they can be.
"But I think we can be quite dangerous as well and we probably haven't quite clicked into top gear which, in some ways is a good thing, because we know there's plenty to come. And if we can just hang in there and not be too far away we feel when we do hit top form we'll have a right say in it.
"We've got too much quality and too much of a good team and squad to give up on anything.
Enjoyed that today. Boys played well and important win.
Great support, thanks. Safe trip home �� pic.twitter.com/eb0QA3PrbA
"We just don't feel we've got the results our performances have warranted; we know it can change, we're not up to Christmas yet, there's still so much to play for and we still believe that when it comes near the end and when it counts we'll be right up there."
Regarding his own form, Carrick has been out of the team quite often this season but played a crucial role in their win over Swansea prior to the international break and is just looking to continue making his own contribution.
He added:"Some players peak quite early, some players peak late but to compare individuals can be quite tough. I do feel that experience does help and the understanding of the game does help you.
Man Utd have won 100% of their games when Michael Carrick has played this season.
6 games
6 wins
17 goals
Perfect form. pic.twitter.com/Qrafj8TCTK
"But at the same time you lose the other attributes that you had maybe when you were younger, because physically sometimes it catches up with you. So at the moment I feel good physically, but to compare with different players can be misleading at times.
"I've seen it before, many times, with players who've come through this club and come towards the end of their careers still being able to make such a big contribution.
"It doesn't have to be every week, it doesn't have to be grabbing headlines every week but there's a contribution to be made and I've seen it many times in the time I've been here. Hopefully I've learned from that and I can give my contribution in some sort of way."
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