Michael Carrick “can’t wait” for Villarreal match

Michael Carrick says he’s looking forward to his first match as Manchester United’s caretaker manager.

The former Red Devils midfielder steps into the hot seat to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked on Sunday following the 4-1 defeat to Watford.

Carrick has a big first test as United travel to Spain to face Villarreal in a crunch Champions League group game.

Solskjaer was sacked after nearly three years at the helm.

“Football’s football and this is a usual day in terms of [the fact] we’ve got a big game to prepare for,”  Carrick said at the pre-match press conference.

“It’s a privilege for me to now sit in this position. I understand the responsibility that comes with that, and now the focus is flipping our minds and moving forward quickly. It’s what this club does very well; it’s what this club’s done very well historically.

“We’re very much looking forward to the game tomorrow, and going over there with a real positive mind and attitude. The boys will be ready for it. We can’t wait for the game to come.”

The Old Trafford side sit top of the group with two games to play but they are level on points with the Spanish side and just two ahead of third placed Atalanta.

Carrick will not only be looking to seal qualification on Tuesday by getting off to a winning start, but also transform a torrid run of form which has delivered just one win in the last five matches.