Michael Carrick has said he has a closer relationship now with Sir Alex Ferguson than he did during his time working under former Manchester United manager.

Carrick was appointed Manchester United manager on a permanent basis in the summer and has endured a tough start to his tenure.

A dramatic 3-2 win over Roma in midweek has eased some of the pressure on his position, ahead of this weekend's Premier League fixture with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

United have failed to win the Premier League title since Ferguson's final season in charge in 2012/13, with a succession of managers struggled in the shadow of the former manager.

This week marks the 40th anniversary of Ferguson's appointment at Old Trafford, a decision which transformed the fortunes of the club. The Scot became the most successful manager in English football history, after leading the Red Devils to 13 league titles and two Champions League trophies among his honours.

Carrick spent seven seasons working under Ferguson, and said the managerial great's impact on him was 'immense'. He opened up on how their relationship has changed since Carrick moved into management.

"It's something definitely worth celebrating as a football club, 40 years this week since he came here," he said at his pre-match press conference.

"The impact and anything that he did was kind of driven from him moving forward. I am probably closer to him, and speak more to him now, than I did when I was playing.

"The relationship changes over time and that is only natural. Ever since he came here, the impact he had on me as an individual was immense."

Carrick refutes Ferguson comparison after difficult start

Carrick was asked whether he can take encouragement from Ferguson's initial struggles as Manchester United manager, as he looks to navigate a tough period. However, the 45-year-old was keen to talk down any comparisons to his former manager.

"More comparisons. You always find something to compare! It is up to us to take it forward. It was a fantastic night [against Roma].

"It was a one-off night. We scored some goals from nowhere. I thought we played really well and deserved to win the game.

"Nothing is done yet. Nothing is achieved yet. It is one moment in time that we need to use to move forward. We need more of it, for sure."