Although Sir Alex Ferguson's men are on FA Cup duty this weekend and face a fifth-round trip to Derby on Sunday, at the back of their minds is the knowledge that on Wednesday they entertain Fulham, when a win would send them five points clear of their only remaining realistic challengers Liverpool.

From there it would take a remarkable turnaround to deprive United of a third successive title for only the second time in their history.

"You have got something special if you win three in a row," said Carrick.

"It would be an amazing achievement and would show what a good team we have been over a consistent period.

"We have done a little bit of the work but there is an awful long way to go yet.

"This league has already shown there are some unexpected results to be thrown up.

"It would be incredible to do it but we have to earn that right."

Another visit to Pride Park will inevitably raise talk of an unprecedented quadruple, or even quintet if the already bagged Club World Cup is included.

The chances of it happening are virtually non-existent. Few expect United to be derailed by Nigel Clough's Championship side, though, even if they did lose to the Rams in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final last month.

As usual, Ferguson will shuffle his squad around, with Ben Foster tipped to replace record-breaker Edwin van der Sar in goal.

Patrice Evra and Wes Brown might also come into contention, although Wayne Rooney is set to remain on the sidelines after reportedly suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

With the first Champions League meeting with Inter Milan less than a fortnight away, Ferguson will not take any risks with his star striker.

Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs will be out to celebrate his one-year contract extension with another match-winning display.

As expected, the 35-year-old has agreed a new deal that will keep him at Old Trafford for an incredible 19th season.

"Ryan is a true professional of the game," Ferguson told www.manutd.com.

"His lifestyle, the way he looks after himself, his desire to always want to win is a credit to him and also an inspiration to any young kid who wants to become a footballer.

"He is like a young boy in the way that he plays and, although he wants to play every game, he understands that using his experience when it matters is a benefit to him and the team.

"It would be easy for him to be complacent after all he has achieved but he isn't and that speaks volumes of why the club wanted to extend his services and use that experience."