Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick said his players will stay grounded amid solid form in the Premier League. United are looking to confirm their qualification for the Champions League next season.
The Red Devils registered a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday. Maxence Lacroix scored for the visitors in the fourth minute but United captain Bruno Fernandes equalised from a spot kick in the 57th minute.
Subsequently, Benjamin Sesko continued his rich form, finding the back of the net after eight minutes. This was United’s sixth victory in seven games since Carrick was appointed as a temporary manager in mid-January.
“Football is a tough game to get results,” Carrick said. “It’s not so much guarding against [a drop in form], it’s living in the moment, staying in the moment, keep grounded and down to earth with understanding what it takes to win games.
“We won’t get carried away, you’ve got to feed off the confidence and understand that runs of wins are hard to come by. We’re hungry for more and we need to try and make it last as long as it can and stay consistent.”
Meanwhile, United were seventh in the Premier League when Carrick took the baton from Ruben Amorim, and they have climbed to third place after winning against Palace.
“I wouldn’t use the word surprise,” Carrick said when asked if they had exceeded his expectations. “I think you always strive to win games. It’s understanding it’s difficult, but not looking too far ahead. Every game is winnable.
“I didn’t get too far ahead in terms of what was possible at [the start]. We had to get to work quickly and put things into practice, and try and be fair to the players, to give the players the right information and the right balance to go into the next game, that was the first thing
“I know some of the players, I’ve known some of the players more than others but now I’ve got to know everybody and it’s a really good group. Talent-wise, ability-wise, the boys have shown what they can do.
“And then there’s that balance of good habits, good behaviours, actually looking after each other. There’s certain times we’ve got to really dig in and show that good spirit and team spirit. I can’t speak highly enough of the players at the moment.”
United will take on Newcastle United on Wednesday.
