Carrick: United can make up lost ground

MICHAEL CARRICK is optimistic Manchester United can build on their Club World Cup success and force their way back to the Barclays Premier League summit.

Handed a dreadful run of away fixtures, which have gleaned just three wins and eight goals, and with their campaign twice punctuated by postponements due to commitments elsewhere, United are a little way behind pacesetters Liverpool and Chelsea.

Home matches with Wigan and Fulham do offer the perfect chance to make up some lost ground in the next few weeks, although, as Carrick accepts, nothing can be taken for granted. Nevertheless, as United landed back in Manchester after a nine-day trip that has left them drained and tired but with the trophy that confirms they are number one in the world, the England midfielder believes the Red Devils still have a big chance to complete a title hat-trick.