Aston Villa target Michael Carrick insists: I don't want to leave Manchester United

03 October 2010 09:28
Wanted man: Michael Carrick is a target for Aston Villa[LNB]Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier will attempt to lure Michael Carrick away from Manchester United - despite the midfielder's desire to stay at Old Trafford for the rest of his career.[LNB]The Villa Park boss has put a ball-playing midfielder at the top of his shopping list and Carrick fits the bill for the Frenchman.[LNB]Carrick was tipped to leave Old Trafford in the summer but a move never materialised.[LNB]And despite the interest from Villa, the England international insists he has no intention of leaving United.[LNB]Carrick said: 'I have seen some stories suggesting I'd be leaving last summer but I take no notice. It's part of the game.[LNB]'I have never thought I was on my way out of United, not for one minute. It has never entered my mind.[LNB]'And neither has the manager said anything to me. This is a greatplace to be and results like the one against Valencia make it allworthwhile when you play a part in something like that.[LNB]'I have the rest of this season and next season left on my contractand I would like to stay here for the rest of my career. Why would Iwant to go anywhere else?[LNB]'It's up to me this season to work hard to earn the right to do thatand to make it a reality. So the aim is to be in the team as often as Ican.'[LNB] Back in the game: Carrick played 90 minutes in the vital win over Valencia on Wednesday[LNB]Carrick has had a stop-start beginning to the season due injury andhe admits his time on the treatment table has been frustrating.[LNB]He said: 'It's never ideal when you are out of the team and since Icame to United I had not had to deal with that ­ situation. I've notdone anything ­different, you just have to believe in yourself.[LNB]'In the past, I've played in the big games and played well, so you draw a lot of ­confidence from the ­experiences you have had.[LNB]'You have to have big self-belief at the very top level otherwise you'd never ­survive the knocks.[LNB]'You have ups and downs but, if you keep plugging away, ­hopefully, you will get your reward.[LNB] Keen: Houllier wants Carrick at Villa[LNB]'I'm no different to any player at United in that I want to be­playing all the time. I have had an achilles ­problem for a while, butI have had an injection and, thankfully, that has cleared it up.[LNB]'It can be difficult because the ­manager has so much talentavailable in midfield. He's got guys like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggsstill at their peak, and Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Park and Gibson allwant a place in midfield too, so it's competitive. [LNB]'To play a full 90 minutes for United in Valencia and be part of a great result was a boost.'[LNB] Everton line up shock loan move for Man United starlet MachedaCoca-Cola bosses axe 'disgusting' Wayne Rooney from new ad campaignTottenham 2 Aston Villa 1: Redknapp's bargain buy just can't stop scoring[LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail