Premier League: Michael Carrick always confident Manchester

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Michael Carrick insists he was always confident Manchester United would recover from what he admits was a shocking start to the season.

United's 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday means David Moyes' men head into the international break just five points adrift of the Gunners, who remain at the top of the Premier League.

It is an impressive recovery from the reigning champions, who dropped into the bottom half of the table in the middle of September after losing at home to West Brom.

But even after suffering that third defeat in six games which yielded just seven points, Carrick was never tempted to hit the panic button, with United now on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

"After a shocking start we are not in a bad position."

Michael Carrick

"After a shocking start we are not in a bad position," said Carrick.

"We never really got too despondent. We were frustrated with our performances and results but you have to stay patient and trust yourself.

"We knew there was a long way to go and there still is."