Michael Carrick has lamented the "horrible" feeling over Manchester United's disappointing defence of their Premier League title.

The reigning champions are on course to record their lowest points total in the table since 1992 after enduring a testing first season under manager David Moyes.

With 10 points separating them and fourth-placed Arsenal, United are seemingly out of contention for a Champions League place, and Carrick admits that a disappointing campaign at the club is new territory for him.

"It's horrible," he told the Daily Mail. "You go home after a bad result and you suffer more than most because it's our responsibility if we have not performed and got the result.

"You take it to the next game. You constantly ask questions of yourself. You have to face the public on the school run or taking the kids somewhere.

"It's not pleasant, but if you want to take good times you have to be prepared for the bad times."

The Red Devils, who sit seventh in the standings, travel to St James' Park for a clash with Newcastle United this afternoon.