Carrick: It's More Than 3 Points

Michael Carrick believes Manchester United's narrow 1-0 win over rivals Manchester City on Sunday was worth "more than three points" as the Reds gained the derby bragging rights.

Young Marcus Rashford grabbed the decisive goal on 16 minutes which meant United closed the gap on City to just one point in the race for a top four spot.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Carrick says the defeat of the Reds' rivals meant more than it usually would considering the situation in the league ahead of the international break.

"I think it is more than three points. The position we are in the league meant it was a must-win," declared the vice-captain. "We had to get the three points before the international break to give us a boost and something to go at when we come back."

With the recent hectic schedule of fixtures, Carrick felt his United team-mates did well to battle through to pick up the derby spoils.

"I thought we were good in the first half with a great goal from Marcus Rashford - an unbelievable finish," he continued. "We hung on towards the end with some tired bodies cramping everywhere. It has been a long and tough week, but we have got through it and it's a great result for us, and a great way to bounce back from Thursday night."

A two-week international break will now follow before United tackle the most crucial part of the campaign.

"We have some massive league games and obviously the cup game [replay against West Ham]," says Carrick. "So this gives us some momentum going into the final stages of the season."