Carrick faces derby test as expectations soar at Man Utd

LONDON, Sept 11 : Michael Carrick's first Manchester derby as interim manager brought a victory and bought him time.

Eight months later, after leading United to a third-placed finish and being appointed on a permanent basis, expectation has soared and Sunday's clash with Manchester City is being viewed as a measure of how far his rebuilding job has progressed.

United's former midfield schemer has overseen only one win, against Ipswich Town, in the opening three Premier League matches. A humbling loss at Hull City and a draw at Everton have tempered optimism generated by last season's revival.

Thursday's 4-0 victory over Sabah in the Champions League was a welcome boost ahead of the visit of City, but Carrick knows Sunday will provide the acid test.

"There's no way we're assuming: 'We won last year, we can do the same things and everything will be the same'," Carrick, who was installed on a full-time basis in May, told reporters when asked how he is approaching Sunday, compared to the clash in January when United outplayed Pep Guardiola's side.

"I understand the expectation. Everything was quite fresh and new then, we didn't really know where it was going to go. The players, myself, the coaches, you guys, were all waiting to see how it would go, and it was a quick turnaround.

"I think the confidence we've built over a period of time, and the feeling that we're getting better all the time, I think that helps us. We know it's a big game, we know it's an important game. There's a lot riding on it."

Carrick's calm authority resulted in 12 wins from his 17 Premier League games in charge last season, with only two defeats. Confidence was high ahead of the new season that the momentum would be maintained.

INDIFFERENT START TO THE SEASON