Carrick: We put in a lot of hard work to get here

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick couldn't hide his satisfaction after the 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool. The win was doubly significant, as it also secured the Red Devils' place in the Champions League for next season. He expressed his pride in this achievement.

“In a way, I am proud. I believe the work put in, the players' performances, and the results we've achieved against strong teams are something we can definitely take a lot of positives from. To be honest, at one point, this goal seemed quite distant. So, a lot of hard work went into getting us into this position and securing qualification three rounds before the end. But it's not something we've discussed much as a group. It's not something we're overly celebrating. It's just one step. We want more. We want to finish higher in the league, but certainly, the players and staff deserve immense credit for putting us in this position at this stage,” Carrick began.

He stated that the key to success was the special bond he had built with his players.

“Good players help. Good coaches, good staff. I think the connection we've all built has been quite special, and we've had to achieve it in different ways. We've won games in various manners, facing different challenges, and today was another one. You just try to do the right things and understand what it means to be here, and the players have embraced everything so, so well. To do it with a few games to spare is one thing, but we want to keep developing and finish the season strongly,” Carrick added.

He then turned his attention to the match against Liverpool.

“We've scored a lot of goals, you know. I think we've scored in almost every game. So, our main focus, if anything, was on our work without the ball and trying to become a tougher opponent to break down over time. We knew today they would play with a lot of midfielders and try to dominate possession and control the game that way, which presented a big challenge for us. Then, of course, we tried to impose our strengths on the game. I think we started brilliantly. I believe we started very well against Brentford too, and I'm just as pleased with how we finished the game today. After conceding two quick goals, that could have broken us, but the character and belief the lads showed, as well as the quality of our play afterward, were really good,” the Englishman continued.

He also commented on the conceded goals, which came from elementary errors.

“Mistakes happen. They [Amad and Sene Lamens] are two fantastic players who have given us a lot to get us into this position. That's part of football. Fortunately for everyone, today we managed to come out victorious. It all comes down to that subconscious belief that is tested in such moments. We can all talk about it, but I think it's about the connection with the players, their willingness to work hard for each other, to sacrifice for each other, and for everyone to benefit from it. If someone makes a mistake, we will help them – that's part of football. Ultimately, it's all about quality football. Tactics are one side, but actually, mentality and attitude are what get you through difficult and challenging moments. This period was, of course, challenging, but I think we finished very strongly,” the manager elaborated.

Nevertheless, he admitted that the team still has areas to work on and improve.

“It's really encouraging. I think in our 'mini-league,' if you will, for these 14 games, we must be at the top or close to it [we are at the top]. But that in itself shows that there are many things the lads have done really, really well. Of course, we want to continue to improve the small details. I think we cannot underestimate what the lads have done during this period and in different ways, which pleases me the most and gives us flexibility going forward,” the specialist added.

Finally, the topic of his continued tenure at the club and whether there's a chance of it happening was addressed.

“It's not about what I like or don't like. In a way, it is, but it's not under my control. Everything is going so well, and I think we know the situation we're in, and I'm happy with it right now. We still want to improve, and we'll see what happens. At this moment, it's not something I'm really thinking about,” Carrick concluded.