Michael Carrick has admitted that the memory of Sunderland's Stadium of Light still stings as he prepares to return with Manchester United, recalling how Sergio Aguero's last-gasp goal for Manchester City snatched the 2012 Premier League title from Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
It is 14 years since United's 1-0 victory over Sunderland on the final day turned to despair as news filtered through of Aguero's dramatic winner against Queens Park Rangers, handing the title to their city rivals. Carrick, who played in midfield that afternoon, said: 'Yeah, yeah, I can remember that. I've not forgotten it.'
'Obviously it was a one-off kind of feeling. It wasn't during the game, it wasn't until after the game, kind of didn't really know exactly where the land was lying at that point. So it wasn't until we walked towards the edge of the pitch and we had to deal with what was thrown at us. It's in the past, you know, but, yeah, it definitely sticks in the memory.'
This Saturday's encounter carries far less weight, with United already secured in third place and Champions League qualification assured. However, Carrick expects a stern test from Sunderland, who sit 12th in their first season back in the top flight after promotion via the Championship play-offs.
'They have got an awful lot to play for,' Carrick said of the Black Cats. 'I think it's very tight – sixth to 12th maybe is really, really tight. Three, four points, so I think they've got a lot to play for. They've had a fantastic season. Not easy to come and get promoted and to stay in the league, first and foremost, has proved difficult over recent times. But to be in the top half and to be within the touching distance of getting in Europe as well, it's full credit to the season that they've had.'
United face Nottingham Forest and Brighton in their final two games, completing a 40-match season – their fewest in 111 years. The reduced fixture list has allowed Carrick to field a consistent starting eleven, but he is mindful of giving opportunities to squad players.
'I think every player in the squad has been absolutely fantastic, I have to say,' he added. 'Some have played a lot more than others and I understand, from a professional and a playing point of view, it can be difficult. But the togetherness and the support that the players have shown, certainly to each other, is great to see. It's what we need within the group and that's part of the challenge of doing a lot of training and not having as many games as we would have liked. I think it's something that we're really keen on playing well and still trying to get good results as well but, yeah, it's definitely something to be aware of.'
