Michael Carrick "desperate" to win Europa League

Michael Carrick has revealed that the Manchester United squad are "desperate" to get their hands on the Europa League trophy.

Reports had suggested that United were not particularly concerned with the competition, having only been entered into the tournament following their failure to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.

However, midfielder Carrick has insisted that the Red Devils are taking each match seriously.

"It is still a European competition," he told the club's official website. "It is one we are desperate to win. We have never really been part of it. Who knows when the chance to win it will come round again?

"We want to grasp it. As players and, as a club, we are determined to go far.

"It doesn't take much motivation from the players' point of view. It's a competition we want to win. I want to win it. I've never played in this competition."

United take on Athletic Bilbao tomorrow evening.