Michael Carrick has warned Manchester United to fully concentrate against Real Madrid and in particular former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo and Madrid visit Old Trafford this Tuesday for the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 clash with United, with the tie balanced at 1-1.
“These are the nights you live for. There is just something in the air, something special,” Carrick enthused, in talking to The Red Devils’ official website today.
“Everyone comes with a spring in their step. Every supporter is that little bit more vocal. Everyone is a little bit more up for it.
“The fans appreciate how important it is and what it means to get through in this competition. And they can make a difference.
“On these European nights everyone seems to be that bit louder and more excited. Hopefully they can do their bit and we can do ours.
“Everyone is looking forward to it and can't wait for the game to come. Hopefully we play like we know we can and get the result we want.”
For the midfielder, former teammate Ronaldo is the man to keep an eye out for.
“Cristiano has pretty much everything. He can shoot with both feet. He can cross with both feet. His ability on the ball is exceptional. He can maneouvre the ball and generate space for himself.
“We saw in the first leg how good he is in the air. You just have defend as best you can, work as a unit and help each other out.
“Both teams can attack well and we all have threats on the pitch that can create and score at any given time. That is the nature of the tie.
“Even though you might be defending well, you can never switch off – we had chances in the first leg and so did they.
“Either team could have won 2-1 or 3-1. It is who takes their chances on the night. We know we have to be at our very best to get a good result.”
