REDS LOOK TO HIT BACK

“It is hard to play catch up. As soon as you make a mistake you fall even further behind. That is why the real focus this year was to make a good start to the Premiership and keep ourselves in contention right from the off."

“We were always confident about our form. United have to be at the top of the league, we need to be challenging.

“There was a real confidence in the dressing room this summer because we know we have the ability to match Chelsea.”

Ferdinand:

“It will be a good occasion going down there to their place, their fans will be up for it.

“I've seen them play a few times already this season and they look a very good team, and they are doing well in the league so far. We're expecting a tough game. If playing football means it suits them, then fantastic.

“I watched them last season when they were beating teams out of sight in that league quite comfortably and they've started very well this season. It will be a tough place to go for any team this year, going to Reading.”

On Sunday's game:

“If people were surprised by that result, so be it. A lot of people, not ourselves, around the game were probably a bit disrespectful to Arsenal.

“Maybe in some sense, they were speaking about the result as a won thing for Man Utd before the game had started just because the so-called big names weren't playing.

“I don't think it was a bad team they brought to Man Utd, they were a solid, quick team and proved that against us.”

Richardson:

“The manager wants all his players sharp and on the ball, ready to play if needed. I have to make sure I am ready, everyone does, because we want to win the league this season.

“Everyone has been training really well this season and the standard is very high every day.

“There is strong opposition for places, which is good for United and for me. At this club you have to fight for your place in the team. I believe in myself, so I just have to keep pushing on.”

Carrick:

“It was important to start well. We were disappointed to lose against Arsenal because it was such a huge game but even so, we have given ourselves a platform and we are definitely in the mix.

“It is vital we do not slip because then we have to start chasing other teams and it becomes difficult.

“The good thing is we are right in there now and the lads are confident we can win a lot more games.

“It has to be maximum points all the way now because we need to put some pressure on. We have played ever so well in a couple of matches but we have not really hit top form yet.

“In the scheme of things, there is a lot to look forward to. We are up there and challenging and we know there is more to come yet.”