- Premier League
United struggling defensively - Carrick
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admitted his team are struggling defensively this season after Thursday night's 3-2 Europa League loss to Athletic Bilbao.
"We have been giving the opposition too many chances, which tells a tale,'' said Carrick.
"That is not just putting the blame on the defence, it is the team as a unit. We have to defend right altogether. That hasn't been the case.''
United's loss to Bilbao was their second at home in Europe this season and made it 10 goals conceded in five European games at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson's team remain very much in contention to defend their Premier League title, however, and will return to domestic matters against West Brom on Sunday.
"We are desperate to win the league again and Sunday is the next game,'' said Carrick. "It is massive, as they all are, and we will be ready for it.''
United have put together a good run of results in the league recently - beating Liverpool, Norwich and Tottenham in their last three games and remaining unbeaten since Newcastle won 3-0 at Old Trafford in early January. They now face what looks on paper an easier run of matches, against a collection of teams below halfway in the table.
"We are satisfied with the situation we are in,'' said Carrick. "But just because we have come through a tough two months doesn't mean we will sail through the next two nicely.
"We are not getting carried away and we are not taking anything for granted. We know how quickly it can come back and bite us.''