Michael Carrick

MICHAEL Carrick has called for his United team-mates to focus on their tough run in after the Reds opened up a five point gap at the top of the Premier Leage at the weekend.

United still have to play Arsenal at home and Chelsea away in their seven remaining domestic games, and they also have the Champions League quarter-final with Roma on their minds.

Carrick said: "We're playing well at the moment but we've still got a tough run-in and it's not going to be easy.

"Three or four weeks ago we were a few points behind Arsenal and aware that we needed to get points on the board fairly quickly.

"We've managed to do that and obviously Arsenal have slipped up a little bit and opened the door for us."

United have never looked more like champions this season than during their consummate disposal of a Liverpool side who arrived as one of the form teams in the league.

"We set out to win the game," added Carrick. "A lot was made of the two big games, and we did our bit.

"You are aware it is a big game and there is a bit more to it than just three points. But as a player you try to focus on the job and what you can control. We are well aware that when we play at our best we can beat anyone and that is what you try to focus on. We managed to do that."