Michael Carrick has expressed that managing Manchester United "feels natural" after successfully guiding the club to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming season. This significant achievement was cemented by a thrilling 3-2 victory over rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. Carrick's post-match press conference was dominated by inquiries regarding whether this success would translate into a permanent managerial position. While the 44-year-old maintained he awaits official news like everyone else, he acknowledged that his performance has undeniably positioned him as a strong candidate for the full-time head coach role. He stated, "I love doing what I'm doing. It's a great position for me to be and it feels pretty natural if I'm totally honest." Carrick emphasized the magnitude of securing a Champions League spot with three games to spare, considering it "a big achievement."

Since taking over in January following Ruben Amorim's acrimonious exit, Carrick has overseen a remarkable turnaround, winning 10 of his 14 games in charge. His tenure has seen crucial victories against top teams including Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea, with Liverpool now added to his impressive list of conquests, thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Kobbie Mainoo. Reflecting on his run, Carrick commented, "It's been a good run. We've beaten some very, very good teams and it's been challenging. Sometimes we've won it in some ways, sometimes we've won it in other ways."

Players within the squad have openly voiced their support for Carrick. Sunday's opening goal scorer, Matheus Cunha, strongly believes Carrick deserves to remain as head coach, attributing a return of "Sir Alex Ferguson's magic" to Old Trafford under his leadership. Cunha highlighted Carrick's confidence in the group and his exceptional teaching methods, stating, "I think he has like the magic with these Ferguson times, these kinds of things. Then he came and brought it to us, taught us how it was. And, yeah, to be part of everything that he did is a pleasure, and then of course I think he deserves it." Rejuvenated matchwinner Kobbie Mainoo echoed this sentiment, indicating players would "die for the head coach."

The club's decision to appoint Carrick, a former Middlesbrough boss with deep United links, was strategic, aiming for a manager who understood the club's ethos to avoid adaptation issues while Director of Football Jason Wilcox conducted a thorough search for Amorim's long-term replacement. Carrick has since proven his capability, exceeding initial expectations of merely steadying the ship and steering United to European qualification.

Champions League qualification is a significant milestone for Manchester United for numerous reasons. Carrick, while keen to avoid over-celebration and urging the squad to aim for "bigger and better things," acknowledged the "huge step." This success is expected to significantly boost the club's finances and serve as an added attraction for potential new players during the summer recruitment drive. He noted, "There are signs of improvement and a lot of satisfaction that comes with that. We want more of that. We expect more of that consistently and that is the message. Let's kick on."

Looking ahead, while the club celebrates this achievement, there are also future considerations. Brazilian international Casemiro is set to leave this summer upon his contract's expiration. Matheus Cunha, while understanding the situation, jokingly expressed his desire for Casemiro to stay, highlighting his value in the dressing room. Additionally, it was reported that Sir Alex Ferguson received medical attention before the Manchester United vs. Liverpool game after feeling unwell, though he has since been discharged. The club remains focused on building on this success, with players like Cunha recognizing the importance of not resting on laurels but fighting for titles, reminiscent of Carrick's playing days under Ferguson.