Veteran Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits playing at Newcastle United's St. James' Park has always been a special experience for him.
Carrick grew up in the city of Newcastle and belongs to a family of Newcastle United supporters. However, he has never played for the club and underwent his footballing education at West Ham’s youth academy before joining Manchester United from Tottenham in the summer of 2006.
But Carrick admits going back to Newcastle and playing at St. James’ Park has always been a special experience for him because of his roots in the city.
A Geordie by birth, the midfielder stressed that he doesn’t allow the emotions of returning to his hometown to affect his game and though the first few occasions when he played at Newcastle were extra special, the novelty of the occasion has faded with time.
However, he still looks forward to playing at St. James’ Park because of the wonderful atmosphere created by the Newcastle United supporters and admits that it is one of his eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season.
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“I always look forward to going back there, but when the game comes around it's another game and it's down to business”, Carrick told Manchester United’s official site.
“When I was younger the first few times I went there were always a bit extra special, but I've been there quite a lot. Once I get into the game it's just about getting the job done.
“It's always a good place, the atmosphere as we know is always terrific. It's one we look forward to.”
However, as revealed by Louis van Gaal earlier, Carrick is not expected to make the starting line up for Manchester United’s trip to St. James’ Park tomorrow night, as he continues his comeback from injury.
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