Carrick warns ‘there’s a lot riding on’ high-stakes Manchester Derby as United host leaders City at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has said 'there's a lot riding on' on this weekend's Manchester Derby.

Manchester United welcomeManchester City to Old Trafford on Sunday in the first derby of the Premier League campaign.

City head into the fixture as thePremier League leaders, having taken maximum points from their three games. United have four points from three fixtures, after conceding a late equaliser at Everton last weekend, but bounced back to thrash Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday night.

Ahead of the clash, Carrick said there's a lot riding on it for his team, who do not want to lose further ground on the leaders. Carrick oversaw a 2-0 win over Manchester City in last season's derby at Old Trafford but said his team will not necessarily stick to the same game plan.

"There's no way we're assuming. We won last year but we're not going to do everything the same," he said at hispre-match press conference.

"I feel we're getting better all the time and that helps us, we know it's a big and important game and there's a lot riding on it. We're looking forward to it and we have a short time to recover and prepare for it but we will make the most of it.

"They're a very good team with good results. They've got players to rotate from and that's the position they're in. We know we have to put in a really good performance to get the result we want".

“Really pleased with him”: Carrick hails Rashford as United target derby statement against City

Carrick will be able to call on Marcus Rashford for the derby after the winger's return from a loan spell at Barcelona. Rashford has seven career goals in the Manchester Derby, and Carrick has been pleased with his reintegration to the side.

"Really pleased with him in so many ways. He was a real threat on Sunday, unfortunate to not get more success but he was a real threat. I'm not sure what else to say just really pleased to have him. We have good options so trying to keep everyone fresh".