Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is delighted with the recognition from manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson has heaped praise on Carrick for his form in recent games.

"It is obviously nice when the manager speaks well of you," he admitted. "I have been here a long time now. I suppose I am starting to get classed as one of the more experienced ones now. Because of that, you have to set an example to the lads coming through.

"You have to keep the traditions of the club going. That is what I try to do. It is the manager's belief that we try to carry on."