How Michael Carrick’s sure touch meant Man United’s big gamble paid off

Mission almost accomplished for Michael Carrick , yet his own reaction was far from euphoric. Manchester United should not “over-celebrate” qualifying for the Champions League , he said; if there is anyone less likely to over-celebrate usually, it might be the laidback Carrick. In this case, however, it could, and probably should, secure him an extended spell in the Old Trafford dugout.

But Carrick’s words could hint at greater ambitions than simply finishing in the top five each year, or serve as a reminder he was part of a team who never needed to celebrate Champions League qualification . Now it is a contradictory achievement: a big one given the mess United were in last year and the feat in leaping from 15th place to third in 12 months, and yet diminished by the colossal advantage they have enjoyed compared to teams drained from European exertions. But Carrick deserves praise.

Not everyone else associated with United’s campaign does. It is often pertinent to note how narrow the margins were. Not in this case.

Carrick has salvaged United’s campaign and aided the rebuild (Getty) United began the season with the wrong manager playing the wrong formation and putting players in wrong positions. Such was the surreal reality of Ruben Amorim ’s management. United missed opportunities under Amorim: starting the season with Altay Bayindir in goal, putting in a clueless performance at home to 10-man Everton, squandering points by losing leads in Old Trafford draws with West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves.