Michael Carrick: Man Utd ready for 'proper game' at Chelsea

Speaking at Carrington, Carrick admitted Monday's 2-1 loss against Leeds United fell short, but pointed to his team's late response as a key positive.

"We didn't get the result we wanted," he said, "but the way we finished the game and the character we showed is something we have to take into this match."

United travel to London without suspended defenders Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, with Carrick clearly frustrated by recent disciplinary decisions.

"There's not much we can do now," he explained. "We're massively disappointed for a lot of reasons, but the decisions have been made. We have to move on."

Martinez remained unavailable, with no successful appeal, while Kobbie Mainoo was only partially back in training. Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu continued his recovery but had not yet returned to full team sessions.

The defensive absences could open the door for young centre-back Ayden Heaven, who Carrick believes is progressing well.

"He's in a good place," Carrick said. "He's still young, learning all the time, but he's probably ahead of schedule in terms of the games he's played. I've got no worries about him."

Looking ahead to Chelsea, Carrick acknowledged the challenge of playing at Stamford Bridge but welcomed the occasion.

"It's always a tough place to go," he said. "But these are the games you want - real, proper matches. We've prepared well and we're in a good position, so we want to keep building."

Carrick also backed his in-game decisions following criticism of substitutions against Leeds.

"There's always different opinions," he added. "But overall, we've had a good impact from the bench and good results. That's what matters."

He also reaffirmed his belief in Mason Mount, despite ongoing fitness concerns.

"There's definitely a place for him," Carrick said. "He's working towards full fitness, and I've got no doubts about his future here."

With pressure mounting in the Champions League race, Carrick's message was clear - United must turn promise into points in one of their biggest tests of the season.

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