Michael Carrick asks Manchester United players to remain humble for Champions League tickets

Michael Carrick doesn't want Manchester United players to get too excited when in good form (Instagram/@manutd).

JAKARTA - Michael Carrick promises Manchester United players will not be carried away by their recent strong performance as they try to secure a return ticket to the Champions League.

The Red Devils climbed to third place with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, March 1, 2026 - their sixth win in seven games since Carrick was appointed in mid-January 2026. They also had their best performance in the league since his arrival.

The challenge for Carrick is to maintain this performance considering the many clubs who are still struggling to qualify for the Champions League.

"Football is a difficult game to get results. It's not about avoiding (a drop in performance), but about living this moment, staying focused, staying humble, and understanding what it takes to win a game."

"We won't get carried away, you have to use confidence and understand that a string of victories is difficult to get."

"We are hungry for more. We need to try to keep this momentum going for as long as possible and stay consistent," Carrick said.

Manchester United were seventh when Carrick arrived - just two wins in eight league games before - and his transformation has been remarkable.

"I'm not going to use the word surprise. I think you always try to win the game. It's about understanding that it's difficult, but not looking too far ahead. Every game can be won."

"I didn't think too much about what might happen (at first). We have to work immediately and practice a lot."

"We try to be fair to the players, give them the right information and the right balance to face the next game. That's the first thing."

"I know some players, I know some players more than others. But now I know everyone."

"This is a very good group. In terms of talent and ability, the players have shown what they can do."

"Then there's the balance between good habits, good behaviour, and really looking after each other. There are certain moments where we have to really fight and show that spirit and good team cohesion. I can't praise the players enough at the moment," Carrick said when asked if they had exceeded his expectations.

Manchester United's hopes in Europe are entirely in their own hands. Aston Villa and Liverpool will still visit Old Trafford this season, while the Red Devils will travel to Chelsea in mid-April 2026.

Carrick insists he is thinking of nothing but the trip to St James' Park on Thursday, March 5, 2026, where he hopes Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire can play after illness.

"I think it's really important for us to stay focused and keep our minds on the job. It's a really tough place to get results at Newcastle."

"We don't look too far ahead. We understand our position. I think it was a good move for us at the weekend."

"There is a good push coming from that, both in terms of energy, confidence, or total belief. I think we are in a good position and deserve it."

"The players deserve it. We have to try to make the best of it from now on," he said.