Carrick to avoid title mind games

Watch the full interview... Football Focus Sat 9 Dec, from 1210 GMT

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick insists the side will not get involved in any mind games with Chelsea as the title chase hots up.

"We know what we've got to do," Carrick told Football Focus.

"How we go about it is up to us and as a team so far this season we have done really well.

"Nothing's going to change in our mindset. We just take the next game as it comes. I know it's an old cliché but I think it's the best way to be."

Interview: Man Utd midfielder Michael Carrick

He added: "We have to put everything else to the back of our minds and see how it goes at the end of the season."

United lead Chelsea by five points at the top of the table and Carrick, who moved from Tottenham for £18m in the summer, has been one of the club's best performers.

There were question marks raised about the fee paid for the England international but he has shown little sign of suffering from any pressure.

He has also shrugged off filling in the number 16 shirt worn by ex-Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane.

He added: "When I first got it there was a lot of hype about it but the manager said 'do you want it?' and to be honest it didn't make much difference to me.

"Obviously, Roy was a fantastic player and will go down as one of the greats of Manchester United but its only a shirt and a number and I just have to get on with it my way."

Watch the full interview on Football Focus on BBC One this Saturday at 1210 GMT.