Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick says the Northeast needs a Premier League presence.

United go to Sunderland on Sunday.

Geordie Carrick told manutd.com: "It is important, particularly for the vibe of the area. It's such a football-orientated region that it's so important to have a team in the Premier League and a team doing well.

"As it is at the minute, Sunderland and Middlesbrough are finding it tough in the Premier League and Newcastle aren't quite in there yet.

"It's been a bit of an up and down time for the three teams over the last few years and it's not been often that all three have been in the Premier League at the same time. It's nice for me to have teams in there as it gives me a chance to go home and see some old friends."