Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick admits the first option is always to get the ball forward.

Team-mate Rio Ferdinand called Carrick's pass for a Javier Hernandez goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup last month "the ball of the season from the most under-rated player in the country".

Carrick told the Daily Mail: "I try to play the ball forwards as quickly as possible,' he said. 'It doesn't have to be 50 or 60 yards. It may only be 10 yards. But I want it to be forwards. A 10-yard pass may take two of their midfielders out of the game. So it's effective. I always have in my mind the desire to keep the flow of service going to those ahead of me.

"The pass Rio mentioned came off perfect. I've probably played so many of those this season that haven't. For Rio to say that is nice. Whether he has a point or not, it's hard to say."