Quotes from Michael Carrick

But that's something I enjoyed. That's the game, the challenge, trying to think 'what am I am aiming to do here? Where do I want to pass the ball? What area do I want to get it in?' Then it's instinct... but that's just me, that's how I was made, that's my make-up.

The Champions League and the Premier League are now both huge, but the tradition and history of the FA Cup is still very special.

When I came in at United, I'd seen what the manager set, how the players lived their lives, how they trained, how they lived with the expectation and all sorts, playing three games a week at that level. And that is when I thought 'woah - this is different, this is something else.'

But I still think it's part of the skill of being a coach or manager - to know who responds to what. And some players do respond to a rollicking. If it needs to be done, you have to do it. As a player, that wasn't necessarily me.

I think as an older player, there's a kind of natural responsibility or natural role to go around the lads and say a few things. I had it when I came into the team; when you look to the older boys in certain situations to see what they say, see how they act, and see what they expect.

It's always been the ones that got away that stick in your memory. You use them for motivation. The ones you win are brilliant and you enjoy them, and then you move on.

Outside you get credit and praise and it makes you feel good, puts a spring in your step, but really the ceiling was the manager. If I was playing at Old Trafford and felt as though I was contributing and winning things, that was enough for me.

When I left West Ham in 2004 there was a chance of them signing me instead of Spurs, but it isn't something I think about too often. I've been spoilt during my career.

When you get older, you want to be playing. I'm not one who would want to be sitting around as part of the squad, making up the numbers. I am conscious that I want to be playing and making a contribution to the team.

Growing up as a kid, I played for Wallsend Boys Club, a famous boys club. I had such a good childhood and upbringing there.

It is something I would like to do, to be a manager, but that's not assuming I will be. It's something that I can strive towards and see where it takes us.

If you look at anyone's career, there are times when you have hard times. Even the best players have to struggle through things.

I was safe, due to my parents, but the Boys' Club was a massive influence.

The expectation at United is to win every game and you have to be at your very best in training, never mind in the games.