Michael Carrick, right, clashes with Cheik Tiote during the 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
Michael Carrick, right, clashes with Cheik Tiote during the 0-0 draw with Newcastle.

Carrick rallies his Manchester United teammates



Michael Carrick has reminded his Manchester United teammates that a 19th League title remains in their hands despite a disappointing draw at Newcastle United on Monday night.

The leaders emerged from a tough 90 minutes at St James' Park having to make do with a point from a hard-fought 0-0 draw despite creating enough chances to have won the game and extend their lead over second-placed Arsenal to nine points.

However, the England midfielder feels United still have enough of a cushion ahead of potentially defining fixtures at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and Chelsea's visit to Old Trafford.

"We are still in a good position. We have got tough games ahead, but they [Arsenal and Chelsea] have got tough games too," Carrick said.

"We don't want to be looking at results too much, we want to be winning games ourselves. We just roll on. This is what we want to be doing, playing in the big games coming thick and fast."

United resume their bid for glory at home to Everton on Saturday, while Arsenal head for the north west the following day to face a Bolton Wanderers side no doubt desperate to bounce back from their FA Cup semi-final mauling at the hands of Stoke City.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen has hit back at criticism from Newcastle fans following his return to St James' Park.

The 31-year-old, who spent four years on Tyneside after a club record £16 million (Dh96.439m) move from Real Madrid, received a hostile welcome as he was introduced as an 80th-minute replacement for Nani.

Responding to the boos via his Twitter account, he said: "Got a poor reception off the home fans which was disappointing. Was desperate to score!"

He added: "Knew I would get booed as that's what a lot of fans do, but if they knew the facts, then they may have a different opinion."

Owen, who earned £103,000 a week during his injury-plagued time with Newcastle, left after the club's relegation to the Championship at the end of the 2008/09 campaign.

He defended himself amid further criticism in a series of later posts.

The striker said: "From what most of you Newcastle fans are saying, you should be pleased I left the club! If I had known that earlier I could have left sooner!

"For the record, I tried my best in every game for Newcastle. Under KK [Kevin Keegan], I played well and I'll never forget the two I scored against Sunderland. When I meet Newcastle or Liverpool fans, they all respect what I've done for their clubs. In stadiums it changes, one boo and the rest follow.

"By the way, I'm not looking for sympathy. As long as my family don't boo me when I walk through the door, I couldn't care less!!!"


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