Carrick admits frustration

England midfielder Michael Carrick knows he must play the waiting game as he bids to force his way back into Manchester United's starting XI.

The former Tottenham and West Ham midfielder started just one of United's last eight Premier League games last season as Chelseapipped Sir Alex Ferguson's troops to the title.

Carrick was a surprise starter in their Community Shield success over Chelsea after recovering from an ankle injury, although he has since not started either of their two league outings this term.

The 29-year-old continued his comeback for United's reserves on Tuesday and the experienced campaigner has vented his frustration at watching on from the sidelines.

However, Carrick knows with a long and hard season ahead he will be given chances to impress Ferguson and reclaim his place.

"It's obviously frustrating not playing football, but it's a long season and I'm well aware of how strong a squad we've got," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"It's about being patient and trying to force my way back into the team. The manager trusts the squad he's got and we trust each other.

"It's important that we have the experienced players in the squad who have done it all before but that doesn't count for an awful lot going into the new season.

"It's going to be tough, as it is every year, but that's the challenge and that's why we're all at a club like United.

"Going into a new season, we're always confident we can go and win every competition we play in."