Manchester United's recent 2-1 victory against Brentford positions them on the cusp of Champions League qualification. Interim manager Michael Carrick stressed the importance of continued effort to secure the highest possible Premier League standing.
The win propelled United to third place with 61 points, establishing an 11-point lead over sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with four games left. As the top five teams qualify for next season's Champions League, United requires only two more points to guarantee their return to Europe's premier competition after a two-year hiatus.
Carrick stated, "The Champions League is one thing, but it's not something that we should be over-celebrating either. We want to be finishing high up the league really, and we want to be challenging high up in the league and trying to get more points so our season doesn't get to a close when that happens."
He added, "We have put ourselves in good position, but there's still more work to be done." Carrick, who took over in January with the team in sixth place, also addressed Casemiro's situation. "From both sides it's pretty clear. Probably the situation and the clarity of it has helped everything," he commented, acknowledging the midfielder's significant contributions.
Manchester United is set to face fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday.