MICHAEL CARRICK continued to remain coy over his Manchester United managerial future, giving little away even to his former team-mate.
The Red Devils interim boss, 44, was speaking to Dimitar Berbatov who was part of Premier League Productions panel in yesterday’s 3-2 win for United over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
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Carrick celebrates another three crucial points against rivals Liverpool Credit: Alamy
Carrick (front row second left) and Berbatov (back row end right) played together for five seasons Credit: AFP
United’s win strengthened their grip on third position, lifting them six points clear of Liverpool in fourth.
The 32 points they have picked up under Carrick is the most in the league since he took charge in January – five more than next best Arsenal.
Berbatov began the dialogue, saying: “Michael, Berba is here. I just wanted to ask you… you’re planning for next season, right? Tell me you’re planning for next season.”
Carrick’s response was: “How are you doing Berba? Nice question.”
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Berbatov, who was sat alongside another former United striker in Michael Owen, then laughed it off and said: “That’s what I want to hear.”
Carrick, Berbatov and Owen all won the 2010/11 Premier League title together under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Carrick continued: “I said it when I came in that I think part of the responsibility here was to plan for the long-term and not make decisions just to get by week by week or until the end of the season, and certainly done that.
“There’s obviously conversations that keep going on about what it looks like in the future, and I’m kind of part of that so things will get sorted out in good time.
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“I think we’re in a good place at the moment, so let’s see how it develops over the next few weeks.”
First half goals from summer signings Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko put United in control at the break.
Quick-fire Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo strikes then pulled Liverpool back on level terms 11 minutes into the second half.
But on 77 minutes, Kobbie Mainoo stepped up to the plate and scored the winner just three days after signing a new contract.
Kobbie Mainoo celebrates his incredible winning goal against Liverpool Credit: Getty
Carrick has built his team around Mainoo, and it’s coincided with a surge in form for the Red Devils Credit: Getty
That confirmed United’s place in next season’s Champions League, meaning Carrick has already achieved his first objective.
He’s unsurprisingly odds on to remain in charge beyond this month, and although he gave nothing away, Carrick will no doubt be dreaming of winning trophies at Old Trafford once again – this time as a manager.
