Carrick hails ‘magical’ Champions League as Man United return to Europe's big stage
· Yahoo Sports
Michael Carrick has said the Champions League is 'magical' as Manchester United return to the competition tomorrow night.
Manchester United make theirChampions League return against Azerbaijani debutants Sabah tomorrow evening at Old Trafford.
Visit catcross.biz for more information.
The Red Devils are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2023/24 and aiming to improve on a poor recent record in the competition. United have exited in the group stage in two of their last three campaigns at this level, and have not progressed past the quarter-finals since 2011.
Carrick was part of the Manchester United side that was last crowned European champions in 2008 and said he can't wait to experience more 'special nights' in the competition.
"Yeah, it's a magical competition, you know. It's where we all want to be. When you're out of it, you realise how special it is and when you're in it, you want to make the most of it," Carrick said at hispre-match press conference.
"I think we've all seen some special, special nights and felt some special things in this competition over the years. It's where we want to be, it's what we want to get back to, and it's the best competition to challenge yourself and to push against the best.
"We're delighted to be here, but we're not here to just enjoy the occasion. We're here to do business and go as far as we possibly can."
“We can go up against anybody” — Carrick promises ‘special nights’ as Man United return to UCL
Carrick is confident his side are capable of competing with the best sides in Europe this season. United will compete in the new eight-fixture league phase for the first time this season.
"We want to be the best we can possibly be. We want to be there as quickly as possible but it is understanding that there are steps to be put in place to be able to do that.
"We are capable of some really good things, especially on our day we feel like we can go up against anybody and come out on top. It is up to us to bring that over a consistent period of consistency through games and in the end gets you the results and hopefully puts us in the stages you spoke about."