Michael Carrick has stated that the dressing room remains confident of a top four finish this season despite the poor run of results of late.
Manchester United had a brief period in the sunshine when they managed three consecutive league victories. This has helped them resurrect their challenge for the top four, which seemed doomed a few months ago. However, they have fallen once again in the darkness after a poor showing in the league against West Brom. Despite the setbacks, Carrick remains confident of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
One of the underlying points by the former Tottenham midfielder is that only three points separates United from Manchester City, who occupy the final qualification spot. Further, City have not been in a good run of form themselves. Since the turn of the year, they have managed only four league victories. This has almost ended their hopes of winning the league title in a year where the regular contenders like Chelsea and United are nowhere to be seen. One of the primary reasons for City’s downfall has come as a result of announcing Guardiola as their new manager from the summer. Manuel Pellegrini is essentially a dead man walking in the dugout.
Tim from Derbyshire Wedding Photography thinks that, for the next few matches, United will focus on doing well in the cup competitions like the Europa League and the FA Cup."[The top four] is not out of sight. We just need to get back to winning ways, that's it. It's easy to say, but we've got to bounce back. We've got big games coming up and we've got to be ready for them.We wanted to carry on the form we've shown of late. It's very disappointing. It's a tough game coming here anyway, but losing a man makes it more difficult. In the second half they had one chance and scored,” said Carrick.