Carrick anticipates reunion with Frank as Man Utd take on Spurs

Michael Carrick faces Thomas Frank mere months after conducting an interview with the Tottenham boss, as Manchester United chase a fourth straight Premier League victory under their interim manager at Old Trafford this Saturday.

The ex Spurs, United and England midfielder Carrick has made a strong impression in his temporary role, which might extend past its planned end of the season, thanks to triumphs against Manchester City, the top of the table Arsenal, and last weeks thrilling 3 2 victory over Fulham.

Carrick now meets Spurs, having spoken to the visiting manager Frank prior to the Danish coaches debut Champions League match leading the north London side.

"Yes, things can shift quickly," Carrick remarked while recalling the Amazon Prime discussion from September. "I quite liked doing it, to be honest.

"We clicked well. It was my initial proper encounter with him, and we discussed various football topics in general. I liked it, so it will be nice to catch up again."

Frank arrived at Spurs during the summer following his success at London neighbours Brentford, yet his job has faced scrutiny due to the teams uneven performances.

However, progress in Europe has aided a uplift in Tottenhams outcomes, including their recent 2 2 stalemate against City at home, forming part of an unbeaten streak across four fixtures in all tournaments.

"They pose a real test," Carrick noted. "You could tell from how they ended their last match.

"Injuries and squad rotations have disrupted them, along with numerous lineup alterations, complicating matters for their side. Still, key players are returning.

"Their forwards are sharp, aiming to pull defences apart, push upfield, and target the penalty area frequently. We must stay alert to that."

Cherished recollections

The 44 year old continued: "We are in solid form, and the squad trained effectively this week. Keep our focus, avoid over excitement from recent successes. Its all about the upcoming challenge."

Tottenham dominated all four clashes with United in the previous campaign, including the May Europa League final in Bilbao.

Carrick aims to halt that sequence versus the team where he played two years before transferring to Old Trafford via an £18.6 million ($25.2 million) transfer in 2006.

"I hold warm memories of Tottenham and my time there," Carrick shared. "Looking back, my stay was brief, but I truly appreciated it.

"Solid squad, with Martin Jol in charge, and I picked up plenty during that concise chapter.

"Yet, Ive mentioned it often, joining here at United was a significant step up back then. I sensed it almost immediately, and once you enter this environment as a player, it transforms you.

"Virtually from the moment I entered the changing room and greeted the coach, that became my world."