United unveil new boy Carrick

Manchester United have unveiled Michael Carrick as their big summer signing.

Manchester United have unveiled Michael Carrick as their big summer signing for an initial fee of £14 million.

The England international has moved to Old Trafford from Tottenham Hotspur in a deal which could eventually rise to £18.6 million.

Carrick has been handed the number 16 shirt for the coming season and steps into the hole created by Roy Keane's departure last autumn.

The former West Ham United trainee was quick to downplay comparisons to the ex-Red Devils skipper and has vowed to stamp his own mark on his new side.

"People are always going to talk," said Carrick on the comparisons. "Roy's a legend in the game, he's one of the greats and always will be.

"I'm my own man. I can't stop people talking about it, it's not something I'm really focused on.

"I'm focused on playing my own game and doing the things I do best, that's the best way to go for me.

"I put more pressure on myself to perform than anybody else does. I'm very critical of myself, highly critical, and I don't think anyone can be more than me."

The 25-year-old had spent two seasons at White Hart Lane, but admits he wanted to head to Old Trafford once he learned of United's interest.

He added: "Once I heard United were involved, I wanted to come, simple as that.

"It's a terrific club, a fantastic club that has been successful over the years.

"I just wanted to come and improve my game, and become a better player, achieve things, win trophies.

"It's an awesome setup, it really is. I've settled in quickly to be honest. Everyone's been great, the backroom staff have been fantastic.

"I want to get to know the lads as quick as I can, it's not a problem. I'm delighted to be here and I am looking forward to playing the first game really.

"It's a huge club with a tradition of being successful - that's the plan to get back to winning ways.

"They haven't won the league for three years and it's always nice to win the league and get back to winning ways. In that respect it's a big ambition of mine.

"The Champions League is also a special place to play and to test yourself against the best. I haven't had the opportunity to do that at that level, so I'm really looking forward to doing that."

Carrick paid tribute to the club he is leaving behind and offered his thanks to Tottenham boss Martin Jol.

He continued: "I'm confident I can become better, I always believe I can improve.

"I had two years at Tottenham and I've got a lot to thank the coaching staff for, especially Martin Jol.

"He helped me an awful lot to progress with my game. I got back in the England squad and I've got a lot to thank him for.

"The gaffer and the coach here will help me come on in leaps and bounds. I'm fully aware of the need to work on certain things to improve and I'm willing to do that."