Interim coach insists United’s current form in itself guarantees nothing in a tightly contested race
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has warned his players against complacency despite their surge in form that has reignited the club’s push for a return to the Champions League.
Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace was their sixth win in seven league matches since Carrick’s appointment in January. It also lifted United into third place, the first time they have been that high in the league since 2023.
But Carrick insists that United’s current form in itself guarantees nothing in a tightly contested race for the Champions League places.
“Football is a tough game to get results,” Carrick said. “It’s about staying grounded, living in the moment and understanding what it takes to keep winning. We won’t get carried away.”
When Carrick took charge, United were seventh in the table after winning just twice in eight league fixtures. The turnaround since then has been impressive, though the former midfielder has played it down.
“I wouldn’t call it a surprise,” said Carrick. “You always aim to win games, but you understand how difficult it is. We had to get to work quickly, give the players clarity and the right balance going into each match.”
Carrick also had huge praise for his players with respect to their mentality.
“There are times when you’ve really got to dig in,” said United’s interim coach. “The spirit the players have shown, I can’t speak highly enough of them.”
United are on course to qualify for the Champions League after two seasons away, although there are still tough fixtures to come, including those against rivals Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Indeed, the Red Devils will first face Newcastle at St James’s Park on Wednesday. The Magpies have had a poor campaign and currently sit 13th in the league having lost three games on the bounce at home, but they nevertheless still possess the capacity to hurt top teams at home.
“It’s incredibly tough to go to Newcastle and get a result,” said Carrick. “We’re not looking too far ahead. The weekend was a good step, but now we have to make the most of the position we’ve earned.”
