Michael Carrick insists Manchester United’s work is far from complete despite already securing UEFA Champions League qualification, with the interim manager determined to push for every available point before the Premier League season ends.
United confirmed their return to Europe’s elite competition following last weekend’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford, capping an impressive turnaround under Carrick since his appointment in January.
The former Red Devils midfielder has overseen a remarkable revival at the club, guiding the team to 10 wins and two draws from his 14 matches in charge while lifting the team into third place in the table.
Yet despite mounting calls for the 44-year-old to be handed the role permanently, Carrick remained focused on finishing the campaign strongly with Saturday’s trip to Sunderland receiving the immediate attention. “Clarity is important,” Carrick admitted when questioned about his future. “I think moving forward, it’s coming a time, at the end of the season, where I think we finish strong and put ourselves in a good position.”
The United boss, however, stressed that discussions over his long-term future would not distract him from the immediate task at hand.
“We’ve got eyes on finishing the season strongly as well. From my point of view, right at this stage, it’s just putting the boys in a place to finish the season strongly.
Michael Carrick
As I’ve said all along, and I’m calm about it, it’ll get sorted out when it’s going to get sorted out. Some of it is out of my hands, so we’ll see what happens.”
Carrick Determined To Maintain Momentum
Carrick’s impact since replacing Ruben Amorim in January has been significant. United have beaten Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea during his interim spell, while Champions League qualification was secured with three games remaining.
Statistics from his reign underline the scale of the improvement. Since taking over, Carrick has recorded 10 victories in 14 games across all competitions, with United losing just twice during that run.
The former England international also acknowledged that next season will bring fresh challenges should United return to competing on multiple fronts.
“There’s definitely different challenges within that. Largely, the boys are used to playing more games than we have done over a period of time, over a number of years. There’s going to certainly be a change and a shift with it. I think that’s just part of evolving the squad and growing the squad.”
Michael Carrick
The coach also believes the current group is capable of adapting to the demands of Champions League football, though he admitted further development will be needed. “A little bit more experience, some younger players, more experience, and it’ll be a natural step to take that one and as a club we’ll face that and face it head on,” he added.
Despite United’s qualification already secured, Carrick has no intention of allowing standards to slip during the closing weeks of the campaign.
Their next challenge comes against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with the Black Cats still battling for a potential European place after an impressive return to the top flight.
Sunderland currently sit 12th in the Premier League table but are only four points behind seventh place, which could bring them UEFA Conference League football next campaign.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, are targeting the highest finish possible after climbing into the top three under Carrick’s leadership. The trip to Wearside will also mark Manchester United’s first league visit to the Stadium of Light in nine years following Sunderland’s lengthy absence from the Premier League.
Carrick also voiced disappointment over Manchester City’s decision not to stage the FA Youth Cup final at the Etihad Stadium, describing the competition as a special occasion for academy players. “I’m disappointed, to be honest,” he said. “Getting to the Youth Cup final always or seems to have always been a thing where you play at the main stadium and it’s such a showcase event for players of that age group.”
Still, the United boss insisted the focus remains on ending the season positively both for the senior side and the club’s promising youngsters.
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