Manchester United manager Michael Carrick with Kobbie Mainoo after the Premier League victory over Brentford at Old Trafford. Photo: PA
Mission almost accomplished for Michael Carrick, yet his own reaction was far from euphoric. Manchester United should not “over-celebrate” qualifying for the Champions League, he said; if there is anyone less likely to over-celebrate usually, it might be the laid-back Carrick.
In this case, however, it could, and probably should, secure him an extended spell in the Old Trafford dugout.