Michael Carrick believes Manchester United must prove they are a "great team" by continuing to win the Premier League year after year.

The defending champions have opened up a five-point lead over second placed Chelsea and are hoping to seal back-to-back titles for the first time since they won the league three seasons in a row from 1999-2001.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed striker Louis Saha is out of this week's Champions League quarterfinal against Roma.

Saha will miss the tie - the winners face either Barcelona or Schalke in the semi-finals - as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has refused to rule out a move away from Old Trafford after revealing he has yet to agree a new deal.

The 26-year-old, who has another year to run on his contract has held talks over extending his stay at United, but has so far yet to put pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has described Cristiano Ronaldo goal against Aston Villa as "unbelievable".

Rooney struck twice himself and said: "A few people have been talking about it but the main thing is we have been winning games.

"It was a well-deserved three points. Some of our passing and movement was brilliant.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is prepared to battle teammates for the England captaincy.

"I just do my job for Manchester United and if the England manager deems that good enough to make me captain of England even if it is only for one game that's great," said Ferdinand.

"It was a fantastic honour but it is a different situation when you are all competing for the captaincy.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits he's a big fan of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

Ahead of this weekend's clash, Carrick told manutd.com: "Gaz is a very good player. He's got a great left foot and it's pretty reliable, so we have to be careful when he's on the ball and not give away too many free kicks in the final third.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is in line to be handed the England captaincy for the friendly against the United States.

The Daily Mail says Rooney is in line to be England captain for the friendly against the United States in May as Fabio Capello contemplates calling up Dean Ashton to solve his striker crisis.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson laughed off the boos he received while playing for Brazil on Wednesday night.

Brazil have played three times at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in 18 months and manager Dunga had to explain to confused South American reporters: "It was because there is history here. He plays in Manchester."

Rio Ferdinand lived the dream of leading England out as captain on Wednesday night, but there was no fairytale ending as the Three Lions slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the Stade de France.

A first-half Frank Ribery penalty was enough to hand the home side victory in a match that also saw David Beckham win his 100th England cap.

How would you sum up your first season at Old Trafford?
I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training. At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United, but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team. I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.