05 April,2009 07:06 AM IST | | AFP
Manchester United's shell-shocked stars have admitted that Sunday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford has developed into a must-win game for Alex Ferguson's faltering champions.
United, who held a seven-point lead over their closest challengers just three weeks ago, have seen their aura of invincibility shattered by successive defeats against Liverpool and Fulham.
Liverpool have emerged as the form team and United's players are acutely aware that any further stumbles could undo their exemplary work earlier in the season.
Carrick said: "We'd gone so long without a league defeat that, when it happened against Liverpool, it was a bit of a shock to the system. But you're going to lose games through the season. We've just got to bounce back we've done it before and we'll do it again."
United are without the suspended trio of Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic and the injured Dimitar Berbatov.
EPL on Sunday
Manchester United v Aston Villa LIVE on ESPN 20:20
Everton v Wigan Athletic LIVE on Star Sports 19:25
