Man United v Aston Villa: Michael Carrick looks to build on Roma win insisting 'consistency is key'

Forty years after Alex Ferguson took over Manchester United at the age of 44, Michael Carrick, who also began his managerial role at 44, prepared for Sunday's Premier League match against Aston Villa. During a time when Ferguson's United had only one win in their first nine games, just like the current squad, the team faces scrutiny similar to that of the 1986-87 season.

Carrick expressed that he is closer to Ferguson now than during his playing days and credits the manager's influence on his career. Carrick acknowledged the difficulty in replicating the success of previous eras, emphasizing the need for consistency and realistic goals. He highlighted the importance of building on recent moments of improvement, such as their 3-2 victory against Roma after trailing 2-0, while acknowledging the challenges of sustaining success.

The manager also addressed the pressure on his job, noting that consistency is the key to long-term success. Despite the current struggles, Carrick remains optimistic about the team's potential and the progress they can make with continued dedication.