Carrick - Matches not meaningless

Red Devils ace backing international friendlies

Last updated: 17th November 2008

Michael Carrick press

Carrick: No meaningless friendlies

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Manchester United's England international midfielder Michael Carrick does not believe international friendlies are meaningless.

England are set to do battle with Germany on Wednesday, a game that many see as a pointless international with many of Fabio Capello's regulars set to sit out the clash.

However, Capello is likely to use the occasion to blood a few new faces and give some fringe players a chance to stake their claim for a regular berth.

Carrick believes it is an honour for players to pull on the Three Lions shirt, although he believes club manager Sir Alex Ferguson has a different agenda when it comes to international friendlies.

Not meaningless

"Friendlies are not meaningless," argued the 27-year-old. "To play for your country is a massive honour. Germany versus England at any level is a huge game.

"I certainly do not regard it as a hindrance.

"But I accept the manager (Ferguson) does not really look at it that way. He has his own agenda and there are things to be won at domestic level.

"But, as players, you have to put that to one side until Thursday morning."