Michael Carrick returns to his native Newcastle this evening with twin ambitions.

The north-east-born Manchester United midfielder is anxious to finish on the winning side for the first time at St James' Park - and keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Carrick, who has also worn the colours of Tottenham and West Ham, is aiming to kick on in the club's treble bid.

He said: "There is a lot at stake but I am confident we can get a good run going.

"We do not feel the pressure as we set our standards and go into every game expecting to win.

"Mind you, I haven't won at Newcastle. While it is always nice to go home and see old faces, we need to get the job done."

Kevin Keegan is back in charge and trying to push Newcastle back up the league.

Carrick remembers Keegan's first stint on Tyneside.

The England international was about to join the Hammers after catching the eye at Wallsend Boys Club.

Carrick said: "I remember Kevin working his magic but he didn't quite pull it off.

"It is a big job again. I hope he gets it right but there is a lot of work to do as they are not where they want to be and it will not happen overnight.

"But he has done it in the past and it would be nice to see him get success as long as it is not against us."

United romped home 6-0 - all the goals coming in the second half - when the teams met at Old Trafford last month.

But Carrick is not expecting an action replay.

He said: "When we go away, it is like a cup final for the other team.

"St James' will be bouncing. When they are playing well, the noise the fans generate is something else.

"We are on our guard as we know we cannot slip up and will be ready for the fight."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes United's never-say-die attitude will serve them well in the coming weeks and months.

They go into the game on the back of a 1-1 Champions League draw against Lyon in midweek.

Carlos Tevez stepped off the bench to score the equaliser, and what could prove to be a vital away goal, three minutes from time.

Ferguson said: "We have only done in Lyon what we have done for years - we do not give in.

"It is a quality that will serve us well in the run-in.

"It tells you we have players with desire and commitment. We are very pleased with their attitude."

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