After clinching the Premiership title on Sunday, Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick claimed that even though this was his second Premier League Title with the Red Devils, it was much more difficult to clinch than the first one.

After having lifted two trophies in just two years with the Reds, the midfielder is now setting his aims for a hat-trick of titles.

“Being champions last year, we wanted to prove that it wasn’t a one-off,” he told MUTV.

“This season wasn’t as straightforward as last season. We didn’t start too well and being behind Arsenal like we were, people were saying it was over. But to come out on top like we have done is very satisfying, we have really earned it.

“It was great winning it on the day. Last year, even though it was a fantastic feeling that we were champions, I was sat in the front room in my house when we won it.

"It’s not quite the same as winning your game to win the title. It was a terrific feeling, and once you get it you want more of it. We’re driving on for the third in row already.”

Carrick added that he was so engrossed in the match at the JJB Stadium, that he totally forgot about the Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers encounter.

“I didn’t know until well after the final whistle what had happened at Stamford Bridge,” he admitted. “It was a good ten minutes after the final whistle when Mick Phelan [first-team coach] told me it was 1-1. Up until then I had forgotten all about it, I was so focused on the job we had to do.

“We knew that if we won the Chelsea result didn’t matter. That’s all I was interested in, but I think it’s better that we won it on points rather than goal difference. It shows we’re true champions.”