Carrick welcomes Sneijder challenge

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has revealed he is not worried about his future in the wake of his club's interest in Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder.

Since his 2006 move from Tottenham, Carrick has been a regular starter for United and his place in Sir Alex Ferguson's first-choice eleven has been more or less safe over the last few years.
However, question marks started to appear last season over his future at Old Trafford, especially in the wake of Carrick's less-than-impressive performances in a couple of big games.
And with veteran playmaker Paul Scholes finally calling it a day at the end of last season, United have been looking to reinforce their midfield this season, and have been heavily linked with Sneijder.
While that would certainly make it even more difficult for Carrick to hold down his regular spot in the heart of midfield, the 30-year-old has welcomed the addition of Sneijder.
"At a club like this, there are always going to be players and names being bandied around," Carrick told The Sun.
"To be honest, as a player, you want the best players to be here, whether it's in my position or not.
"We've had it before and I am sure we will have it again."
Despite many tipping United to struggle without Scholes, Carrick does not believe this is the case, and uses the example of Cristiano Ronaldo's 2009 departure to Real Madrid as a classic example that the Red Devils will also be able to handle personnel losses.
"When Cristiano left, they said, 'You can't replace him because of the player he is' - but you have to adapt as a squad and as a team.
"We have lost Scholesy but we've got to adapt."
Carrick however is adamant that none of United's midfielders should try to imitate the manner in which Scholes dictated play, and should just carry on playing the way they normally do.
"I'm not going to play like Scholesy because that's not my game - and neither will Anderson or Ryan Giggs.
"You have to adapt in different ways and I'm sure we will do that.
"I'm not going to change as a player, that's the way I am. You are your own player, personality and character.
"I'll just keep doing the things I do. It has been successful over the years, so it won't change how I do things."
United have won every game of their pre-season campaign, but their biggest test comes in Washington on Saturday evening when they face Barcelona, who convincingly beat them in last season's Champions League final.
Carrick admits Barca are currently the team to beat, but believes it can be done.
"Barcelona have set the standard and taken it to the next level - and it's up to us to try and achieve that.
"They're not unbeatable and we have shown that.
"They are a terrific team with special players and that's the challenge we face."
And while Carrick admits he is yet to forget the disappointment of being completely outplayed in last season's Champions League final, he believes the heartbreak can spur United on to greater things.
"You have to look forward. It is not forgotten. It is something that drives you on.
"Setbacks like that are the things that stick out when you look back.
"The negatives stand out, not the positives, and that one is something we are pretty keen to put right."
Following the retirements of Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar, Carrick is now considered one of United's elder statesmen with his 231 appearances for the club over a five-year spell.
However, the England international believes the younger generation can have a positive influence on the senior players with their youthful brand of enthusiasm.
"The dressing room is a little bit strange," he said. "I certainly feel a bit older.
"It is good though. The energy and enthusiasm the younger lads bring is brilliant and training has been really good."