Manchester United Can Still Make Top Four, Insists Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick has not given up on another season playing in the top tier of European club football, despite Manchester United's latest slip-up. The 34years old midfielder has seen his playing opportunities limited in the Champions League since the departure of legendary Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Despite West Brom striker Salomon Rondon's strike condemning United to a 1-0 defeat on Sunday, the United man remains optimistic. He told Sky Sports “The top four is not out of sight. We just need to get back to winning ways, that's it. It's easy to say, but we've got to bounce back. We've got big games coming up and we've got to be ready for them”.

After four successive wins in all competitions, Carrick was frustrated by United's change in fortunes at the Hawthorns, citing Juan Mata's dismissal as pivotal. He said “We wanted to carry on the form we've shown of late. It's very disappointing. It's a tough game coming here anyway, but losing a man makes it more difficult. In the second half they had one chance and scored”