Carrick: We're in a better position to challenge

Retiring skipper Michael Carrick firmly believes Manchester United are in a much better position to challenge for the Premier League title now than 12 months ago.

The no.16 made his 464th and final appearance for the Reds on Sunday, playing his part in Marcus Rashford’s winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Watford at Old Trafford, before bidding an emotional farewell to the fans on the pitch afterwards.

United signed off the league campaign with a 25th win which took us beyond the 80-point mark – a total which has been enough to be crowned champions in seasons gone by – but the Reds were left to settle for second place as Manchester City became the first team in Premier League history to surpass 100 points in a single season.

Carrick will hang up his boots at the end of the campaign and become part of Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff next term. Speaking to MUTV after the final match of his illustrious playing career, he acknowledged the Reds have continued to make progress this term and winning trophies is just as important as competing for the title.

“[Finishing] second, as it is, is probably deserved and, in the last few years, we have made progress,” Michael said.

“As much as we want to win the league and we are desperate to win the league, we are in a better place than what we were last year. That is for sure.

“We want to win next week [against Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup final] to finish the season in a high. I have said it for the last few years, we have still been taking trophies when we haven’t necessarily been a contender in the league. It is important to keep that winning feeling, we need to do that next week.”