LARRY WANTS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

"It only takes 16 games to reach the final once you have qualified," he said.

"The Champions League doesn't demand the same level of consistency it
takes to win the league title.

"That was probably our undoing last season in the Premiership. Our European
form was different altogether and we came very close to reaching the final."

So why keep playing when you have won almost everything

"I never wanted to outstay my welcome and when I came to United I had
always planned for retirement at the end of the season.

"But finishing the season empty-handed really hurt the players and that
helped to change my mind.

"Even if you are a big club you have no divine right to lift a trophy but it would
kill me and the other players to go through another season like the last.

"I have been extremely fortunate in my career to find success at club and
international level but that doesn't make me any less hungry for success.

"I have always wanted to play in a Champions League Final so if I had quit I
would have always thought something was missing from my career. It is the
trophy every player wants to win."

Shrewd business or liability

"I wouldn't play on if I thought I was going to let people down and the
manager wouldn't pick me if he thought I was a liability.

"I don't take a great deal of notice of other people's opinion, I only listen to
myself and opinions of the people that matter to me.

"I'm very happy here and no matter what anyone else says I feel the move
turned out well and that's why it was easier to stay than to walk away.

"I've worked hard on my fitness during the summer and I feel in good shape
but if I make mistakes I don't need people to point them out to me, I'm capable of holding my own hands up.

"The United supporters have been fantastic to me, always supportive. But if
there came a time when I thought my body or mind couldn't take it any more I
would walk away from football sooner rather than later."

On the battle ahead

"We were unlucky to concede the goal out there and we owe it to ourselves
and the club to put that right at Old Trafford,"

"We have a very hungry and talented squad and the signing of a solid player
like Rio Ferdinand, who had a great World Cup, merely serves to increase the
competition for places which every top club needs.

"We basically have the same quality squad as last year, which foundered
because of injuries. But then sometimes success doesn't necessarily mean
you are guaranteed football or a future at the club."