Reds up for the battle – Carrick

MICHAEL Carrick has stressed Manchester United are “not giving anything up” despite the blow of Sunday’s 1–1 draw at Chelsea.

United had looked set to chalk up a third straight win before Diego Costa’s late equaliser salvaged a point for the Blues - a result that left the Reds six points behind fourth–placed Manchester City and 12 behind leaders Leicester.

They are in Europa League and FA Cup action this month alongside the continued top–flight battle too.

United midfielder Carrick said: “There is plenty to play for this month and of course plenty of points to play for in the league. We’re not giving anything up yet.

“We have to battle on and play something like we have been doing over the last few weeks and then see where that takes us.”

Two players who have shone in United’s recent improvement are forwards Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney.

Martial (20) is in his first season with the club and the France international has no doubt he is benefiting from working alongside Rooney, the 30–year–old captain and United veteran.

“It allows me to keep improving and also to feel more relaxed when playing alongside him,” Martial told MUTV and Inside United. “When you see someone like Rooney, you feel that bit more confident.”