Manchester United moved to within touching distance of Champions League qualification with a 2-1 victory over Brentford, but interim manager Michael Carrick insists the team must keep pushing for the highest possible Premier League finish.
The Red Devils need just two points from their final four games to secure a return to Europe's elite club competition for the first time since the 2023-24 season. Carrick's own future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, however, as the club searches for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro opened the scoring with a header from Bruno Fernandes' corner, which was flicked on by Harry Maguire. Fernandes then doubled the lead before halftime with a surging run and pinpoint pass to Benjamin Sesko, who finished clinically.
United sit third with 61 points, 11 clear of sixth-placed Brighton, with four games remaining. The top five teams qualify for the Champions League, meaning two more points would seal their place.
"The Champions League is one thing, but it's not something we should be over-celebrating," Carrick told reporters. "We want to finish high up the league and keep pushing for more points." He took charge in January after Amorim's dismissal.
Casemiro scored his ninth goal of the season, and despite fan calls to keep him, Carrick confirmed the midfielder will leave in the summer. "From both sides, it's pretty clear. He's given absolutely everything," Carrick said.
Fernandes registered his 19th assist of the campaign, moving within one of the Premier League single-season record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Carrick praised the duo's chemistry: "Casemiro and Bruno have a good relationship. Bruno is a big part of our attack."
United next face fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday, with the defending champions just three points behind. Carrick said: "It's a tough finish, but we are in a good position and want to keep pushing."
Carrick is the frontrunner for the permanent job, but faces competition from Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, and former England boss Gareth Southgate.
United reportedly target Atalanta's Ederson or Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni as Casemiro's replacement. Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson are also linked.
Source: www.aljazeera.com