Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is focused on keeping the “momentum” after their positive upturn in form since his arrival.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace, the manager highlighted the importance of squad rotation amidst a busy schedule.
“When there are a lot more games, we have rotation or have to change things physically. There are huge positives with the results we’ve had, playing well and winning games, but a big awareness from me and the staff is how important everyone is in the group.
Even though it’s the same players, game-to-game we have tweaked things, some of the front players have changed in different positions, Luke [Shaw] has played in a different role in possession, but there is a feeling of trying to keep the momentum.”
Carrick has remained unbeaten in his opening six matches since taking over from Ruben Amorim, including seismic victories over Man City and Arsenal. The lack of European football has allowed Carrick’s side to be “laser focused” on their domestic push.
“It’s certainly where we want to be [Champions League]. I think you’ve got to earn that you’ve got to show you’re good enough. At the moment, we are laser-focused on what is ahead for us.
There is no point in looking elsewhere. We know where we want to be, we know what we need to do to get there and the performance level and the games that are coming up, we want to try and get the right results.”
Carrick pointed towards the positive impact of Harry Maguire, who has made 14 appearances so far this season. The Englishman played all 90 minutes of Monday’s narrow victory over Everton.
“Harry is an impressive character. He’s had a great career so far; hopefully, there is a lot more to come. He’s been here on the journey, and the experiences he’s had show exactly what he is.
We know the player he is and what he is capable of doing. He was fantastic the other night [against Everton] – his experience, attributes and character help. He’s willing to put himself out there. He’s been really important for us.”
“There is a case, as your career goes, when you’re a young player, and everything is fresh and new, you’re fearless, and there aren’t many scars there. You get to your peak years, and you feel good, and everything is there, but you’ve had a few ups and downs.
As you get towards the later times, the experience should make you a better player. We’ve seen that with Harry’s performances of late.”
Monday’s goalscorer, Benjamin Sesko, has recorded three goals since Carrick’s introduction, including 90th-minute strikes against Fulham and West Ham. Despite the Slovenian’s impact, Carrick is yet to start the striker, but insists there is “no drama” in his exclusion.
“The whole thing is a real positive. It’s certainly not a decision that is one I look at in a negative way. We’re playing well as a team, we’re not getting carried away and thinking that it carries on. The forwards have scored a good number of goals.
Ben has been so good in so many ways. It’s really not a drama. It just shows the quality Ben has got. If he starts the next game or the one after, it is what it is, but he’s doing so many good things.”
