Home sweet home... Carrick calls for Old Trafford improvement against Bilbao
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:39 AM on 7th March 2012
Michael Carrick admits Manchester United will have to find the answer to their depressing European home form if they are to squeeze past Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.
Normally so strong at Old Trafford, United have won just once - against Romanian unknowns Otelul Galati - in four games this season.
They failed to hold onto a two-goal lead against Basle in September, which Sir Alex Ferguson felt cost them their Champions League place and last month they almost threw away an aggregate three-goal lead to Ajax.
Home comforts: Michael Carrick has demanded an improved performance in Europe at Old Trafford
The Red Devils must not falter this time around, for Athletic's formidable European home record this season - three wins and a draw from four games - suggests any deficit will not be overcome in Bilbao next week.
'I am not sure why our home form in Europe has not been so good,' said Carrick.
'It is a tough one. We haven't quite performed compared to recent years, when our home form has been formidable.
'That is the reason why we are talking about the Europa League.
'Bilbao is a tough place to go so we need to perform well at home to give us a chance in the away leg.'
Head boy: Carrick is confident united can get a result against Bilbao
And that is the reason why United are having to endure so many Channel Five jibes as the club's many detractors take the opportunity to poke fun.
'The reaction is understandable,' said Carrick.
'But we are professionals and we are in this tournament, playing for this great club.
'It doesn't take much motivation from the players' point of view. It is a competition we want to win.
'We are still desperate to go as far as we would do in the Champions League.'
After that fabulous win at Tottenham on Sunday and with a home encounter with West Brom on Sunday to prepare for, changes are inevitable for the hosts.
United's search for silverware on two fronts continues against opposition that offer a reminder of home for David de Gea, whose recent form has belied all the trouble he endured in his early weeks with the Red Devils.
Keeping up appearances: Carrick has hailed the form of young goalkeeper David de Gea
'David has been really good in the last few weeks,' said Carrick.
'He has made some huge saves at crucial times. That is what great keepers do.
'The Chelsea one springs to mind. If we had lost that game it could have knocked the stuffing out of us.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2111407/Michael-Carrick-targets-Europa-League-home-win-Athletic-Bilbao.html#ixzz1oQqOPYsC
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