Carrick talks Tottenham memories ahead of reunion

Michael Carrick has said he has ‘really fond memories’ of his time at Tottenham ahead of facing his former club this weekend.

Manchester United host Tottenham in the Premier League tomorrow, with interim coach Carrick set to take on his former side at Old Trafford.

Carrick spent two seasons with the North Londoners during his playing career before moving to Manchester United in an £18.6m deal in 2006.

Asked about his time at Spurs and that transfer, Carrick told his pre-match press conference: “It was pretty instant. I have really fond memories of Tottenham, I was there for what feels like a short time but really enjoyed it. Good team, Martin Jol was manager, a lot of things I learnt at the club in a short period.

“Coming here was a big jump and I felt that pretty quickly. Once you step inside this place as a footballer it turns you, from the first day walking into the dressing room and meeting the manager, that was me.”

Tottenham have endured a challenging Premier League campaign and currently sit 14th in the table. Thomas Frank has faced pressure in his debut season, though a positive Champions League campaign has seen Spurs progress to the last 16.

Asked what he expects from Spurs, Carrick added: “They certainly bring a challenge. The way they finished the game the other day, they’ve had, over a period, players injured, a lot of changes to the team which makes things more difficult.

“They’re getting players back, they have really good attackers that look to stretch the backline and play forward and attack the box an awful lot. A slightly different game to what we’ve played in recent weeks but we’re looking forward to, we are in a good place, the boys have worked well again this week. Feet on the ground, let’s not get carried away. It’s about what’s next. Big challenge ahead.”

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