Manchester United close to Champions League spot, but still work to do: Carrick

Manchester United moved closer to securing a place in next season's UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brentford at home on Monday, April 27, but interim manager Michael Carrick said his side still had work to do. With four games remaining, Carrick said United wanted to finish as high as possible in the Premier League table.

Goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko helped United beat Brentford and move to 61 points, 11 ahead of Brighton and Hove Albion in sixth place. With the top five from the Premier League qualifying for the Champions League, United need two more points to confirm their place next season.

Carrick, however, said the team should stay grounded despite being close to qualification.

"The Champions League is one thing, but it's not something that we should be over-celebrating either," Carrick told reporters, as quoted by Reuters.

"We want to be finishing high up the league really, and we want to be challenging high up in the league and trying to get more points so our season doesn't get to a close when that happens."

Carrick said United had put themselves in a good position, but added that there was still more work to be done.

Casemiro's goal against Brentford was his ninth of the season. The Brazilian is set to leave at the end of the season, and Carrick praised the midfielder for his commitment in the closing stages of his time at the club.

"From both sides it's pretty clear. Probably the situation and the clarity of it has helped everything," Carrick said. "It means a lot to him and credit to him because of the situation that it is, he's given absolutely everything as well and had some big moments for us."

United next face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, May 3, with Carrick's side still pushing to secure Champions League qualification and finish as high as possible in the table.