Carrick Hails Huge Result

The confidence United’s squad gleaned from Saturday’s win against Bolton Wanderers could be key in the race for the title, according to Michael Carrick.

The Reds were reduced to 10 men when Jonny Evans was dismissed on 76 minutes but still contrived to conjure a late winner and snatch all three points.

“We were down to 10 men and up against it,” Carrick told MUTV. “To get the win is a massive lift for us and a huge result.

“When you’re chasing a game, to go down to 10 men is a blow, but the lads responded well. We kept pushing and believing we’d get the chance to score. Thankfully we did and Berba’s tucked it away. It feels like a huge three points.”

The win was made all the more satisfying for Arsenal’s result at West Bromwich Albion. The Gunners only managed a 2-2 draw and now lie five points behind Sir Alex’s men in second place (albeit with a game in hand).

“It would be nice at the end of the season to be champions and look back and say today was a good day. But at this stage it’s just about getting the three points.

“Arsenal drawing is a bonus but we’re just focussing on ourselves and getting the squad back together in two weeks’ time [after the international break].”

When the players do regroup, a busy April lies ahead. The Reds face West Ham, Fulham and Everton in the league, Chelsea (twice) in Europe and Manchester City in the FA Cup. But United’s congested fixture list doesn’t bother Carrick.

“At this stage of the season you want to be involved in all the big games. It shows you’re doing something right.

“We just take the games one at a time. West Ham [United’s next test on 2 April] will be tough. After that there are more big games coming up. We’ll be kept busy.”