Manchester United lynchpin Carrick revels in record-breaking Wembley win

01 March 2010 11:50
Lynchpin: Michael Carrick [LNB]Michael Carrick is delighted to be a Manchester United history maker. [LNB]Although they have won so much down the years, United had never successfullydefended a cup competition prior to yesterday. [LNB]But by beating Aston Villa at Wembley they kept hold of a trophy won againstTottenham 12 months ago. [LNB]Having won the Premier League title in each of his three full seasons at OldTrafford, it represents another notable milestone for Carrick and one he isthrilled to be part of. [LNB]'It was a surprise when I learned we have never defended a cup competition,'admitted Carrick. [LNB]'It is nice to be part of the team that has achieved it. Hopefully we can goon to win some more.' [LNB]Victory at Wolves on Saturday evening will send United back to the top of thetable following this weekend's defeat for Chelsea, who are in FA Cup actionagainst Stoke. [LNB]Before that Carrick has the small matter of England's friendly with AfricanNations Cup winners Egypt to deal with, and a chance to inflict more pain on theVilla players - James Milner, Stewart Downing, Stephen Warnock and Emile Heskey- who now become team-mates. [LNB]Not that Carrick intends to have too much fun at their expense.With a World Cup on the horizon and places in Fabio Capello's squad to win,there is serious business to take care of. [LNB]'Once we get there we will focus on England,' said Carrick. [LNB]'We probably won't even mention it. Any week with England is a big week. We are so close to the World Cup so it will be a good few days.'[LNB] GRAHAM POLL: Time for the experts to learn the law... Nemanja Vidic deserved to escape red card at WembleyGary Lineker: John Terry may look strong but he is only human Rooney rules! But Capello can't count on injured star for clash with EgyptManchester United hero Wayne Rooney focused on more medals as he closes in on Cristiano Ronaldo's goal record 

Source: Daily_Mail