ENGLAND/ MANCHESTER UTD, Carrick can't wait for Real test with Madrid

© foto di Daniele Buffa/Image Sport

"We can't [be too gung-ho]," said Carrick. "I don't think we will and I don't think they will; it's hard to know, isn't it?

"The game over there was tight at times, but we could have come away with a 3-1 win and so could they. So it's about taking our chances.

"With the strike power we've got and the strike power they've got, both teams will have to defend well. You have to have the complete game in many respects."

"Every supporter is that little bit more vocal. They appreciate how important it is and what it means to get through.

"The prestige and history of the club suggests we should be challenging in the later stages of these tournaments. It is up to us to go out there and do it."

Sir Alex Ferguson's love of European combat means United will be fully primed for a task that includes stopping Ronaldo, who returns to his old club for the first time since his £80million move to Spain in 2009.

"Cristiano pretty much has everything," Carrick said.

"He can shoot with both feet. He can cross with both feet. His ability on the ball is exceptional. He can manoeuvre the ball and generate space for himself, and we have saw in the first leg how good he is in the air.

"You just have to defend as best you can, work as a unit and help each other out."