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 laidback Carrick. In this case, however, it could, and probably should, secure him an extended spell in the Old Trafford dugout.
But Carrick’s words could hint at greater ambitions than simply finishing in the top five each year, or serve as a reminder he was part of a team who never needed to celebrate Champions League qualification. Now it is a contradictory achievement: a big one given the mess United were in last year and the feat in leaping from 15th place to third in 12 months, and yet diminished by the colossal advantage they have enjoyed compared to teams drained from European exertions.
