• Premier League

Derby doesn't matter, says Carrick

Michael Carrick says that even a comprehensive victory in Tuesday's derby would not be enough to repair the damage Manchester United's struggles have inflicted this season.

United, seventh in the Premier League, have strung together two morale-boosting wins following their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford just over a week ago.

But Carrick said: "I don't think it [the derby] matters. It's just another game for us; a big game but it's not going to repair any of the damage that's been done in recent months by us losing games."

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David Moyes' side engineered a dramatic 3-0 win against Olympiakos last week in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, overturning a 2-0 deficit from the first leg to book their place in next month's quarter-finals.

United were handed the toughest possible draw against holders Bayern Munich on Friday but maintained momentum on the pitch with Wayne Rooney's two strikes - the first a stunning 58-yard volley from just inside the halfway line - giving them victory at West Ham on Saturday.

Midfielder Carrick, who impressed at centre back up against Andy Carroll at Upton Park, admits United are now desperate to give their fans something to shout about against Manchester City after the horror show against Liverpool.

"Beating City would help us in terms of keeping our run going," Carrick said. "We understand the fans and the result they want and for us as players it's exactly the same, but we're still not getting carried away because of the season we've had.

"Losing against Liverpool at home hurts badly. We're well aware of what those games mean to everyone and, believe me, it means the same to the players.

"It was a bad day for us and we suffered just as much as the fans. It's horrible after a game like that. The dressing room was as you'd expect, really.

"We were very disappointed and frustrated. You don't watch the telly or leave the house for a couple of days if you can help it.

"When you're at this club and things aren't going well it's not always a nice place but mentally you have to deal with it. I think we've all had a tough time this season.

"You suffer from those results just like everybody else. Thankfully, we had a game to look forward to pretty quickly so that helped to give us something else to focus on."

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