Manchester United moved closer to securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brentford at home on Monday, April 27, but interim manager Michael Carrick said his side still have work to do. With four games remaining, Carrick said United want to finish as high as possible in the Premier League table.
Goals from Casemiro and Benjamin Cesko helped United beat Brentford to move to 61 points, 11 ahead of sixth-placed Brighton and Hove Albion. With the top five from the Premier League qualifying for the Champions League, United need two more points to confirm their place next season.
However, Carrick said the team should stay grounded despite being close to qualifying.
“The Champions League is one thing, but it’s also not something we should over-celebrate,” Carrick told reporters, as quoted by Reuters.
“We want to finish really high in the league and we want to fight high in the league and try to get more points so our season doesn’t end when that happens.”
Carrick said United had put themselves in a good position, but added that more work still needed to be done.
Casemiro’s goal against Brentford was his ninth of the season. The Brazilian is set to leave at the end of the season and Carrick praised the midfielder for his commitment in the closing stages of his time at the club.
“It’s pretty clear from both sides. Probably the situation and its clarity helped everything,” Carrick said. “It means a lot to him and it’s an honor for him, given the situation, he gave it his all and had some big moments for us.
United face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, May 3, with Carrick’s side still pushing to secure Champions League qualification and finish as high as possible in the table.
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Published on:
28 Apr 2026 13:01 IST
