Michael Carrick is happy to be regarded as a senior leader of the Manchester United locker room.

Carrick is now back in his favourite midfield role and relishing the challenge ahead - and the responsibility that goes with being classed alongside people like Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs as a senior player.

Carrick, also delighted at being back in the England set-up, said: "I feel like a senior and more important player at the club these days - well, I am getting on a bit!

"I think it is a natural progression that the manager looks towards the senior players to uphold the traditions of the club."

And he added: "The way we lost the league last season on the last day to Man City was a huge blow - but we've had setbacks in the past and bounced back."