Manchester United encounters with Leeds have been missing from the fixture list since 2004, when the Elland Road outfit were relegated following the catastrophic financial problems incurred when they "chased the dream" of establishing themselves among England's elite.
And the fall did not stop there. They were in League One before finally hitting rock bottom, although after a couple of failed promotion attempts it appears the West Yorkshire outfit are on the rise again under impressive young manager Simon Grayson.
There is certainly enough optimism around Leeds just now to ensure a scramble for all 9,000 tickets they have been given for Sunday's eagerly-awaited FA Cup tie at Old Trafford.
And, although he knows the reception he faces will be decidedly frosty at one end of the ground, Carrick is eager to get out in the middle.
"Experiencing those types of feisty atmospheres are why you play football," he said.
"Rivalries like that add extra spice. It is great for the fans and good for the players.
"No matter where you play, or whether the atmosphere is for or against you, it is a great feeling to play.
"Besiktas were very hostile when we went there earlier this season but it was still terrific to play in.
"Leeds are bringing a lot of fans and we are looking forward to it. It should be a cracking game."
Fans
Although history dictates any match between the biggest two teams who represent the red and white roses will have an extra edge, the reality of the situation suggests a comfortable home win.
As Leeds were unable to break their Old Trafford hoodoo when they were competing on level terms, their current status in the third tier of the English game hardly suggests a first win at the home of their bitter rivals since 1981.
It means United should take a small step forward in another competition, having already secured a Champions League knock-out meeting with AC Milan, a Carling Cup semi-final with Manchester City and second spot in the Premier League, two points adrift of current pace-setters Chelsea following last night's five-goal hammering of Wigan.
By general agreement, their latest success represented United's best performance of a campaign blighted by injury, in addition to the major adjustment required following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
But now they have set a suitable standard from which to push for honours, Carrick is expecting far more convincing displays during the second half of the season.
"We have not hit top form all season, especially at home," said Carrick.
"We have just been doing enough to get through. We know we are better than that and now is the time to do it.
"It is a busy time until the end of the season. We need to get a run going and start playing some good football.
"We are in a good position in the league, we have the FA Cup coming up, we are through to the Champions League last 16 and reached the Carling Cup semi-finals.
"We have done as much as we can so far. Now is the time to really drive on and achieve things again. That is why we are here."
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my team for that game:
kit kat
evra vidic carrick rafael
park anderson gibson oberton
owen marcheda
Really looking forward to this game. If they are fit i'd like to see De Laet, Gibson and Obertan play some part. I know the League and Europe are what we aim for, but we have not won the FA Cup since 2004, so i'd really like us to go all the way this year. A tie with Leeds, a City team with Tevez and a Milan team with Beckham all to look forward too! 2010 could be a hell of a year, lets hope so!
First chance to put the scum in their place, the place will be rocking, don't expect to get a drink before the game as the police have closed all the local pubs in the OT area.
On another thread I would like to say that the sacking of Megson is an absolute disgrace. After all his team have drawn six games and won four. He has only been in the job for two years. Give him time - look how wonderful Ferguson has been once they realised what a genius he is. And this is another British manager gone. When will they learn to invest in British genius like Steve Bruce and Brian Robson?
Make sure you wear two pairs of shin-pads Michelle!
United to win !
That should read
MANCHESTER UNITED to win !
leeds.....test? get real carrick, leeds are cr4p. always have been always will be.
Carrick won't even play against Leeds, he's too good. It'll be Paul "Past It" Scholes and Darren "Lazy Bones" Gibson in midfiled. And with Danny "Stick Thin" Wellbeck and Michael "I Was A Good Un' Years Ago" Owen upfront, we could well lose to Leeds.
Just as Veron had no chance to make an impact on the team when it was dominated by Roy Keane, Carrick seems to be just a bit part player when alongside Scholes. Each can be constructive when accompanied by a grafter (Fletcher/Anderson) but together they are a disaster - too slow. I'd like to see Rafael tried in midfield against Leeds. He's tenacious, fast and can shoot straight unlike our other central midfielders.
im havin a partaaay .. however we have to destroy the leeds s...m lol
michele knows F,,,, all about the mufc lufc rivalry,,,, FACT°!
bring em on !
TK
R. Da silva Vidic Brown F. DA silva
Obertan Gibson Scholes Tosic
Welbeck Owen
Against leeeeeeds
Looks like he will play a strong team,then give City a chance to win their first trophy for nearly 40yrs.I would prefer him to do the opposite.Also playing Neville and Scholes against Leeds will be a mistake.
Its time to ditch The likes of Scholes Neville and Giggs as the game against Wigan proved. Play Scholes against Leeds and he will get sent off.
What a non-starter of a story. I'm guessing you can pay at the turnstiles and they need bums on seats for Saturday.
Can see Fergie making about 7-8 changes for this game.Evans could well be back and Neville & Scholes need a game so i think the team will be.................
.......................Kuszaczk
Neville..........Evans..........Brown..........Fabio
Obertan......Anderson.......Scholes.........Welbeck
.................Rooney........Berbatov