Carrick: Manchester United comparisons can wait until after Champions League final

Michael Carrick believes comparisons can only be made between Manchester United's current crop of players and the treble-winning side of 1999 after the Champions League final.

The Red Devils face Chelsea in Moscow on Wednesday after clinching the Barclays Premier League title last weekend.

Carrick, 26, thinks that although his side arguably play more attractive football than the United side of nine years ago judgement should be reserved for the time being.

"I've watched the final a few times since 1999 but until we win the Champions League, how can you compare the two sides?" Carrick told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"It's okay saying we play good football and have good players, but until we win more honours, it's hard to compare.

"All the players are well aware of the history of this club and 1999 was a massive year and is the one year that stands out.

"The Champions League final is a massive event. Some people say it is even better than international football with the quality of all the club sides involved."

Wednesday's Champions League final appearance is United's first since their dramatic 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in Barcelona in 1999.

And Chelsea - who were United's main rivals for the league title - stand between them and Sir Alex Ferguson's second European Cup in 22 years as manager.

Carrick admits edging out Avram Grant's side on the domestic front is of no particular advantage as their loss in last season's FA Cup final proved.

"[Winning the league] gives us a boost but I don't think it will have any affect on the result in Moscow," Carrick added.

"It fills us with confidence and self-belief that we are sat on top of the league at the end of the season, and it shows us we are doing things the right way.

"But we know the threat that Chelsea possess and it isn't a given right that we are going to win."