Michael Carrick Reveals the Secret Behind Manchester United's Stunning Turnaround
Michael Carrick has acknowledged that beginning his tenure as Manchester United's interim manager with two extremely challenging fixtures might have contributed to the outstanding results achieved thus far.
Carrick has guided the team to three consecutive victories against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham after replacing temporary caretaker manager Darren Fletcher, with supporters thrilled to witness the dramatic upturn in form following the conclusion of the Ruben Amorim period.
"Having the [Manchester City] match so soon, it was gradual progress so I wasn't thinking too far into the future," Carrick commented on Thursday as he targets a fourth consecutive victory this weekend, noting that the derby encounter occurred merely four days following his appointment.
"Observers mentioned at the time that the opening two fixtures were significant matches, anticipating a difficult beginning, and perhaps that assisted in getting the entire squad concentrated and energized, heading into both encounters.
"I didn't really think too far into the future, I couldn't permit myself to do that. But certainly over time, we developed an understanding of what we want it to resemble coming through the entrance and definitely since we've been present, that becomes much clearer, what path we want to pursue and how we want to perform."
Carrick mentioned that he and his coaching team "feel assured" there has already been "significant development."
'Focus' Important for Man Utd Players to Achieve Targets
'Concentration' Crucial for Man Utd Squad to Reach Objectives
Carrick's trio of successive victories in his opening three matches has already matched Amorim's longest winning streak. The Portuguese manager required 11 months to secure consecutive Premier League victories for the first time and reliability was, paradoxically, persistently absent.
United are aiming for Champions League qualification for the upcoming season, which requires achieving a top-four position in the Premier League—top five could also suffice through the availability of European Performance Spots distributed by UEFA to two nations annually as recognition.
Champions League participation is not only crucial for reputation, but it's essential for finances too, providing a profitable revenue source United have been without in five out of 10 seasons since 2016; the Europa League generates considerably less income and no UEFA competition whatsoever is clearly even more detrimental.
United were three points behind the top four when Carrick was appointed. They now sit fourth following maximum points in his three matches, but maintain only a one-point advantage over Chelsea, who have also secured three straight wins. Liverpool trail by just another point in sixth position, although looking ahead the distance to Aston Villa in third has decreased from 11 points to merely five.
The narrow and competitive character of that section of the standings makes it essential to maintain momentum and prevent the standard of the past three weeks from becoming a temporary phenomenon.
"The squad has been excellent and completely concentrated, honestly. We understand the broader context of possibilities and potential outcomes. But, as a player, you're focused on what lies before you and attempting to accomplish what you can at this point in time, for the remainder of the campaign," Carrick stated.
"I have no problems, no worries. The players have been superior to what you could expect in terms of [being] completely committed to it. We're simply concentrating on improving and getting ourselves and this club to where we aspire to be. It's gradual progress, but it's clearly a significant conclusion to the season we're working towards."