(Manchester United News)
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick was delighted to come away from Anfield with three points on Sunday and what the no.16 has described as a "massive win" in the Barclays Premier League.
Fresh from signing a one-year contract extension this week, Carrick again highlighted his value to the Reds' cause with an assured display in the United engine room, helping Louis van Gaal’s men to a memorable 2-1 win over arch-rivals Liverpool.
“This is the place to win, it’s a massive game,” Carrick told MUTV. “It doesn’t matter where we are in the league, or where they are, it is always special but it had that extra bit of importance. They were chasing us and right on us so it was a massive win.
“The first half performance was as good as we’ve played here. They always press and make it a high-tempo match, but I thought we got the ball down, played some terrific football and caused them a lot of problems. We were deservedly ahead at half-time.”
Carrick was one of many top performers on a day when van Gaal’s charges needed to be at the maximum level, however it was goalscoring hero Juan Mata who will take the headlines following his inspired brace and the Reds’ vice-captain was keen to add his praise to the many plaudits that came the Spaniard’s way after the match.
“I thought the second goal was a sensational finish,” the midfielder declared. “The first one was also good, mind you, a good touch and finish on his right foot, but the second was pretty special. I’m sure he’ll remember that and it’ll get played a few times.”
