Carrick out to justify Rooney’s approval

MICHAEL Carrick, praised by Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney for his midweek display for England against Italy, will tomorrow aim to enhance his growing influence for the Reds.

Carrick’s injury-enforced absence early in the Barclays Premier League season left United without a focal point from which to launch meaningful attacks.

But since Carrick’s return, the Reds have been a more potent force and are currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table and with one foot in next season’s Champions League.

United, who recorded a vital 2-1`win at Liverpool in their last Premier League fixture, host another resurgent team tomorrow in Aston Villa.

Since Tim Sherwood’s appointment as manager in succession to Paul Lambert, Villa have produced a series of improved displays which have lifted them out of the relegation places.

United will start strong favourites to win the fixture, but Villa’s pace on the break will ensure they are kept on their toes.



UNITED’S Manchester neighbours, City, haven’t given up hope of catching league leaders Chelsea, but with the Blues hosting Stoke tomorrow teatime, they could find themselves nine points behind when they go to Crystal Palace on Monday night.