Carrick Wants Six

Michael Carrick says winning all six UEFA Champions League group games would send a statement of intent.

The midfielder would love to be part of only the fifth team to complete a 100 per cent record in their Champions League qualifying group as they prepare to face AS Roma on Wednesday.

United's win over Sporting Lisbon a fortnight ago means they are guaranteed top spot in Group F no matter what the outcome in the Stadio Olimpico. But Carrick knows those wins would count for nothing when the action really hots up in the knock-out phase.

"Winning all six matches would be some achievement," said the former Tottenham midfielder. It would send out a statement saying we are a very good team with confidence and self belief. But in terms of whether it will mean much in the season as a whole, I am not so sure.

"Winning is a good habit to be in. The longer we keep our momentum going the better. But when the big games come round next spring we have to produce that winning form all over again."