Carrick undaunted by United role

Michael Carrick claims he will play it his way at Manchester United and is not fazed at taking the number 16 shirt famously worn by Roy Keane.

With a maximum price of £18.6million on his head, the pressure is on the former Tottenham midfielder to deliver from the off. Carrick, 25, insists he can carry the burden of such a huge transfer fee - the fifth-highest in United's illustrious history.

He said: "I am not daunted at wearing the 16 shirt. Roy is a legend in the game. He is one of the greats, and I cannot stop people talking about him. But that is not what I am focusing on."

He continued: "I am my own man and focused on doing the things I am best at. I put more pressure on myself to perform than anyone else does. There is room for improvement in my game, and I know I can become a better player at United."

United's chief executive David Gill defended the high price tag. "The figure of £18.6million has been bandied around. That is the maximum we have to pay for Michael, " he said.

"Clearly to do that we have to achieve success on the pitch, and Michael has to achieve success personally. The actual guarantee figure is £14million, and we believe that's an appropriate figure."

While Carrick's game is different to Keane's, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes he will be able to adapt if necessary. "

Roy Keane was one of the best players of all time," said Ferguson, who also revealed he had considered signing Patrick Vieira.

"But just like Bryan Robson before him, Keane's era was coming to end," he added. "We were fortunate then to get Keane to replace Bryan. This is a similar situation - although we don't see anyone like Roy Keane.

"We recognise ability, and that's why bought Michael. He is far more imaginative passer of the ball than Roy was. But the most important thing is his ability to retain possession - which Roy was good at."