Michael Carrick is expecting Manchester United to put down a Premier League title statement over the Christmas and New Year programme (5/4 Manchester United – Premier League outright).

Upcoming festive fixtures against Sunderland (2/9 Manchester United, 4/1 draw, 9/1 Sunderland – match betting), Birmingham and West Brom present Sir Alex Ferguson’s men with the opportunity to kick on at the summit of English football.

United usually hit their straps at the turn of the year and England midfielder Carrick is expecting the same approach this time around.

The former Tottenham and West Ham favourite says he and his team-mates relish the big stage and are ready for another assault on the major honours.

He told the official club website: “Every game seems to be more important, and when the business end of the season comes around the big games are the ones that count.”

Carrick added: “We seem to relish it.

“But I don’t think there’s a formula for it, it just happens at United.”