Source: SKY_Sports
History beckons for Carrick
Michael Carrick admits he has found it difficult not to think about what it would mean for Manchester United to win the UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday.
Victory against Barcelona in Rome would make United the first team to successfully defend the Champions League title.
And although the United midfielder is wary of tempting fate, he admits the chance for Sir Alex Ferguson's current crop to write their names in the history books provides great motivation.
"It's hard to talk about that before the game but, if we do it, yes," he told the Daily Star.
"That's a great incentive for us, knowing that no team has done it before.
"It would be a very special night if we could pull it off. And if we could win the Champions League on the back of winning the Premier League again it would be something else.
Dream"Last year we knew how special it was to achieve the European and domestic double. It was like the fulfilment of all your dreams.
"But to achieve it again you would appreciate it even more knowing how tough it was in the first place.
"Now, it is something really special and we don't want to let it slip."
Success in Rome would also see United crowned both English and European champions for the second year running.
Carrick has helped United win the Premier League title in each of his three seasons since joining from Tottenham.
And although United have dominated the Premier League since its inception in 1992, the England international feels the Red Devils have exceeded expectations since he moved to Old Trafford in 2006.
Challenge
"I came here knowing how big the club was and how successful they had been so I expected to be challenging for things," he added.
"But I never thought for one minute that I would achieve this much.
"We've been fighting on all fronts in every season I've been here, it's just great. It is what you want to be doing as a footballer."
