Michael Carrick sidestepped questions about becoming Manchester United's permanent manager, instead focusing on the team's dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool that secured a return to the Champions League.

Kobbie Mainoo's late strike sealed the victory after Liverpool had erased United's early goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

Mainoo praised Carrick: "All the confidence he gives all the players, you want to follow him and fight for him."

Carrick has guided United to third place, with wins over Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

"I love doing what I'm doing," Carrick said. "It feels pretty natural, to be honest."

He stressed his focus is on getting the best out of his players and building a "team to be proud of." Asked about the permanent job, he replied: "We'll have to wait and see."