Carrick: We Must Finish Strongly

Michael Carrick has implored his United team-mates to use Sunday’s Manchester derby victory as a catalyst for consistency when the race for the top four resumes.

Louis van Gaal's men moved to within a point of fourth-placed City thanks to Marcus Rashford’s winning goal at the Etihad Stadium, which has reinvigorated the Reds’ push for a Champions League position.

When talking to reporters after the final whistle, Carrick agreed with the manager’s assessment that Sunday’s match was a “do-or-die” occasion for United and he was pleased to pass the test.

“Sometimes you get that [a do-or-die game] and hopefully this can turn things around for us,” the vice-captain explained, before looking towards the next match against Everton. “It’s a massive boost but it’s only a big boost and worth it if we carry it on when we get back.”

Asked why United have struggled for consistency, Carrick pointed out the Reds are not the only Premier League side to do so but also hoped to maintain the winning feeling in the final eight games.

“It is football," he said. "Sometimes, it’s tough to explain and you can ask that of a lot of teams. It has been a funny season. In terms of us, it has been frustrating because we know we have got performances in us. You can see that against the so called bigger teams, our form has been very good.

“You can take positives from that but, at the same time, it’s not enough. Consistency is the key to winning the league and doing well. You need to be consistent so that’s what we need to get better at. We need to go on a good run now, everyone is the same. It’s at that stage of the season where everything seems to count for more - every point, every win - so that has got to be our main aim.”

Carrick’s contract with United is set to expire in the summer but the 34-year-old told reporters that he is “quite relaxed about it” at present. He also admitted the emotions attached to victories like Sunday’s encourage him to continue playing for the club he joined back in 2006.

“I have been here a long time, I have had some great times here and I love the club,” Carrick explained. “It’s a great place to play. Playing games like this, it keeps you having that buzz and enthusiasm to play for longer, so we will wait and see what happens.”

Looking ahead, the midfielder will now enjoy a well-earned rest during the international break after England manager Roy Hodgson decided not to call him up for the friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.

Although disappointed not to be involved, the midfielder was grateful to receive an explanatory phone call from the Three Lions boss. “Yeah, I spoke to him and it’s fair enough. He gave me his reasons and what he wanted to do, so that is fine. I have a few days off now so I will go and have a rest, have a break, take the family away, which will be nice, and come back for the run-in.”