Manchester United’s return to action is marked by a fierce rivalry game against Leeds, and they can do the ‘unthinkable’ here.
When the problem is a lack of games and rustiness, you can’t ask for a better restart than a game at Old Trafford against a fierce rival.
The occasion will take care of the rust as Man Utd will want to push Leeds closer to the relegation zone, while solidifying their own place in the UCL qualification race for next season.
According to Gary Neville, they can do the ‘unthinkable’ by achieving that, and it’s all because of Michael Carrick.
Manchester United Squad Training in Ireland
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Results have gone in our favour so far – will United take advantage vs Leeds?
A win will put us in a strong position to clinch a Champions League place
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Michael Carrick doing the ‘unthinkable’ at Man Utd
Carrick didn’t walk into as bad a situation as Ruben Amorim did at Carrington, but the off-field disturbance, FA Cup elimination, and his first two games were unforgiving factors.
Considering all that, for Carrick to put United in the driving seat for UCL qualification in just ten games is remarkable.
This weekend, Chelsea and Aston Villa have already dropped points, so United can further grab that third place by the scruff of its neck.
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Fifth place is enough for UCL football, but United look favourites to get third, something which was ‘unthinkable’ three or four months ago, as per Gary Neville.
He said [via Gary Neville podcast]: “Man Utd need to continue doing what they’re doing and grab that third place, which was unthinkable three or four months ago.
“Michael Carrick has done an incredible job. It’s an incredible rivalry [Man Utd vs Leeds], a vicious rivalry. It’s a big week.”
Carrick will have achieved his sole objective at Man Utd
It feels like a whole era ago now, but when Brighton knocked out Man Utd from the FA Cup, Jason Wilcox rallied the troops at Carrington.
How confident are you ahead of Man Utd’s home game vs Leeds?
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He said the season is far from over, and UCL qualification is the objective for the season, for which Carrick was trusted.
Nobody expected then that Wilcox’s words were anything more than a desperate plea to save a flailing season, but Carrick has gone beyond that.
He hasn’t just saved a flailing season; he has flourished beyond expectations in a way that is making him the top contender for the permanent role.
Once Utd achieve UCL qualification, he will have achieved his sole objective at the club with flying colours. At that point, can you really look elsewhere?
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