Manchester United are cautiously optimistic about their chances of securing Champions League qualification, according to manager Michael Carrick, despite a recent stumble against West Ham. A victory over Everton on Monday night could propel United into fourth place in the Premier League, surpassing Chelsea in the process.
Carrick, however, is keen to temper expectations. “It’s good that everyone’s asking that question,” he said, referring to the growing speculation surrounding a top-four finish. “It shows that we’ve put ourselves in a good position to start with. We’re not getting too carried away now all of a sudden after a few weeks. We know where we’re at, we’re in a good position. I’d still like to be in a better position, mind you, but we’re in a good position.”
United’s resurgence under Carrick has been notable. Taking over with the team in sixth place, he has overseen a significant improvement in form, with only one defeat in their matches since his appointment. The team’s ability to consistently pick up points has fueled the belief that a Champions League spot is within reach.
Central to this upturn in fortunes has been the performance of veteran midfielder Casemiro. Despite confirming he will leave the club at the end of the season, the Brazilian has been a driving force in Carrick’s midfield, demonstrating both experience and leadership.
Carrick praised Casemiro’s impact, stating, “Cas has been fantastic since I came in really, on and off the pitch. Experience is a great thing if you use it in the right way. Being a senior player here there is almost the responsibility of [setting] the example, and helping the younger players, helping the rest of the boys, and passing on your experiences in a positive way. He’s been top since I came, in so many ways, and he’s been a pleasure to work with. I look forward to continuing working with him for a few months yet.”
Casemiro’s journey at United has seen a recent revitalization under Carrick, following a period where he found himself out of favor under previous manager Ruben Amorim. Reports from February 6th indicate that Casemiro even expressed gratitude to Carrick for restoring his place in the team, a position that had been jeopardized during Amorim’s tenure. Amorim reportedly told Casemiro he was even behind Toby Collyer in the midfield pecking order, a situation that clearly impacted the player’s confidence.
The shift in tactical approach under Carrick has been key to unlocking Casemiro’s potential. Amorim’s rigid 3-4-3 formation often left Casemiro isolated as the sole holding midfielder, exposed when Bruno Fernandes ventured forward. Carrick, however, has reintroduced Kobbie Mainoo to the midfield and pushed Fernandes further up the pitch, providing Casemiro with crucial support. This tactical adjustment has allowed the Brazilian to flourish, delivering some of his most dominant performances in his four years at the club.
Jamie Carragher, a noted critic of Casemiro’s form in the past, recently acknowledged the improvement in the player’s performances, even retracting previous harsh assessments. This turnaround underscores the significant impact Carrick has had on both the team’s overall performance and the individual contributions of key players like Casemiro.
Despite his impending departure, Casemiro remains fully committed to United’s cause. He recently stated his intention to give everything he has during his final months at the club, emphasizing his focus on helping the team achieve success. This dedication, coupled with Carrick’s tactical adjustments, has created a positive dynamic that is driving United’s push for a Champions League berth.
Monday’s match against Everton represents a crucial opportunity for United to solidify their position in the top four. A win would not only see them leapfrog Chelsea but also send a clear message about their ambition and determination to compete at the highest level. While Carrick remains cautious, the team’s recent form and the inspired performances of players like Casemiro suggest that a Champions League return is a very real possibility.
The atmosphere at Goodison Park is expected to be hostile, as noted by Carrick, but he views this as a valuable test for his team. The ability to perform under pressure and overcome challenging circumstances will be crucial as United navigate the final stretch of the season. The team news confirms that Carrick will provide updates on Matthijs de Ligt and Mason Mount’s fitness ahead of the match.
