Midfielder Michael Carrick insists Manchester United have already shrugged off their shock FA Cup exit ahead of a "vital" period in the season.

United face neighbours Manchester City in the first leg of a Carling Cup semi-final at Eastlands on Wednesday evening less than 72 hours after being dumped out of the FA Cup by League One opposition.

Carrick insists the main aim this season remains a successful defence of their Premier League crown, but United are also hopeful of winning the two other competitions they remain in contention for.

"Our first aim in 2010 is to win the league again," he told the club's official website."It's always been the first thing we've set out to do and to win four in a row would be amazing.

"Then there's the Champions League. Given how tough it is to be successful, our record over the last few years has been very good.

"We also want to do well in the Carling Cup. We want to get our hands on as much as possible.

"This season has been strange with some odd results. But it's a vital time, the manager has stressed that to us, although most of us have been here before."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email