Carrick hails United belief

Michael Carrick feels Manchester United's dogged belief has been key in helping them drag points from the most unpromising situations this season.

Dimitar Berbatov sealed a last-gasp 1-0 victory at home to Bolton on Saturday, despite things looking bleak for United barely 15 minutes earlier when Jonny Evans was dismissed to leave them with 10 men.

The victory handed Premier League leaders United a five-point advantage going into the international break, and Carrick feels his side's faith helped them to the win.

"You have to keep believing and trusting each other," said Carrick. "Experience helps because we have done it a few times before.

"Going into the last five minutes you keep telling each other to be patient and that a chance will come. Then it is about putting it away."

Manchester United are still competing on three fronts this season and have a hectic few weeks ahead of them.

But midfielder Carrick is not complaining, even if he would prefer not to be deployed as an emergency central defender again to cover injuries.

"It is not ideal playing centre-back but I have no problems with it if that is what's required," said the England international.

"At the start of the season we set out to try and ensure every game would be big at this stage.

"We wanted to be involved in all the competitions and we have achieved that, which shows we are doing something right.

"It is hard to say how significant this day will be at this point in the season but it does feel like a big result."