Manchester United’s interim manager Michael Carrick looked pretty happy with his side beating Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday, as they sealed third-place in the Premier League table.
With UEFA Champions League qualification for next season already secured, United have secured third place with one game to go. And they did it in a thriller against Forest.
Here’s the latest Michael Carrick reaction after United’s win at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick reaction
On getting the win for the home fans in their final home game of the season: “It was very important. I wanted to finish strong. I spoke about that before the game. We’ve put ourselves in a really good position to have this day in front of our supporters. We wanted to have a really good performance and win the game as well. Made it a little more difficult for ourselves at times but I actually thought some of the football was fantastic and we could have won by more. It was a really good day for us to win the game like we have, to see the supporters and the atmosphere in the stadium, it is special again.”
On Bruno Fernandes getting to 20 assists and his role in playing him further forward: “It is what he’s good at. He’s got a real knack and a gift of creating opportunities, sensing space and knowing what is around him. It was an important moment for him and for all of us. I think you could see how everyone enjoyed the moment. There were two or three times when maybe we thought it was going to happen before and you could see him running through at times and I was thinking ‘is he going to shoot or is he going to pass?’ but I didn’t want it to overtake, and Bruno’s the same, in terms of didn’t want it to overtake the team and how important it is. It was nice he was able to do it for himself and then to score on the back of it. For everyone to celebrate it was a nice moment.”
On his connection with Casemiro and how hard it will be to replace him: “Casemiro has been a very, very good player for a long time. We appreciate everything he has done certainly since I’ve been here. He’s been fantastic. I think a part of football is things come to an end and you have to evolve and adapt. There have been some big players over the time I’ve been here who have left the club and you’ve got to find a way of moving forward. It is a challenge. It is part of the game. We certainly thank him for all he’s done because he’s had a big impact since he’s been here and certainly since I’ve been here.”
On Luke Shaw and his consistency, what has been key, as his former teammate: “That makes me feel old! I am delighted for Luke. He has been consistent and able to stay fit and have a really good level of performance. He is such a good player. To have him in that moment it was nice for him to score, his performances are very good and he’s been here for a long time. He knows it. He’s had the ups and he’s had the tougher moments and he’s come through it. He is still here and has a lot of experience now. We expect a lot from him but today was a nice day for him and to get that moment was a nice way for him to finish at home.”
On his future and reports that he has reached an agreement with Man United and what he can share about it: “There’s nothing. I said clarity about coming towards the end of the season and the end of the season. Nothing has changed. If there’s something to be said either way then it will be announced. Today was about the game and finishing the season strongly for the players and for the whole club. We will see what happens in the next few days.
On if you can tell us how close it is: “There are a lot of rumors. It is quite interesting seeing what is true and what is not. That’s not for me to get involved in. But listen, clarity will come in the next few days.”
Speaking on the pitch after the game, Carrick said the following to United’s fans: “What a way to finish the season for us at home, what a game that was, that’s how we like it. We’ve got to make it hard for ourselves! We’ve got to make it exciting and I thought we played ever so well today. It’s unbelievable to see this place like this. It is such a special place, it does magical things, we’ve had some unbelievable times over the years and this season we’ve had some big, big days that we’ve all enjoyed.
“I want to thank the players, I have to say to everybody this is such a good group of players, and I know we are here for football and the performance, but they are a really good group of people and I think that is important. Especially at this football club. That we sacrifice for each other, we look after each other, and they desperately want to do well, the players.
“I of course have to thank the backroom staff, the support that they’ve given all of us over a period of a time, the initial first team staff, the backroom staff, the coaches, all of the staff throughout the whole club, the effort and sacrifice that everyone goes to is what makes this place so special.
“We have players leaving us and out of contract. Casemiro has obviously been incredible. We have a really good connection and nice to see the response you give for him. We have Tyrell [Malacia] as well, which I mentioned to the boys before kick off, he’s had a tough time with injuries since he’s been here but please show your appreciation for Tyrell.
“Lastly, listen, it’s a huge thank you from me for the support this season. We enjoy the ups, we enjoy the downs, we support each other and the best thing about this place is you lot, the supporters, and the thing is for me, it’s easy to support and it’s easy to enjoy and easy when everything is good and everything is nice and everyone joins in and everything is great, really supportive, and I think the connection I felt when I walked in this place 20 years ago it’s in some of the challenging times and tougher times is when we stick together. This place is incredible. You’re a one-off. That is what the football club is all about. Thank you!”
“I want to say massive thank you for the season. It is unbelievable to see this place so full. I hope you enjoyed today. We’ve had some big moments, big goals and big results in this place over the last few months. Hopefully there will be a few more of them. Take care and have a good summer.”
