Michael Carrick plays down future talk after Man United clinch third place finish

With the club set to name Carrick as the full time manager very soon the forty four year old stated that the main focus on Sunday had been achieving the outcome and ending a strong season positively at Old Trafford.

"In the next few days there will be clear information on the position" Carrick stated when questioned again about his role.

I believe the priority today was the match and achieving a positive outcome along with some players performing well so whatever happens next I am sure there will be clear details in a few days.

Named on a temporary basis in January Carrick has guided a consistent rise in the standings resulting in Champions League qualification and he described the season as a major success considering where United began.

We were very aware of the need to end on a positive note we have taken some excellent steps forward as a team and as a club Carrick said. "It is simple to reach this point and having been involved myself that additional energy is missing so I feel ending in this manner for many reasons was a positive occasion for us."

Sunday match also saw personal achievements with Bruno Fernandes matching the Premier League assist record with his twentieth. Carrick commended the Portugal midfielders team oriented approach.

"Today the manner in which he achieved it was a pleasing moment for all" he said. "Praise to him for that as it is not simple but he always places the team ahead of himself and thinks of the team first.

Today was yet another such occasion even though he will receive the acclaim as it is a remarkable accomplishment."

Carrick recognised that narrowing the distance to the elite will require continued progress both in terms of new signings and growth within the squad.

"I truly feel it was a remarkable success to reach our current standing" he said. "But the nearer you get to the summit of the league the tougher it becomes and you must take major strides but it is tougher to take those major strides.

"So evolving the squad is key. And that is not a criticism of the current squad. You simply wish to continue advancing. We have an excellent group of players whom you wish to continue improving and making better.

We simply wish to keep progressing. That is the sole aim and there is no secret formula for it. It requires hard work some clever thinking and good players too."

Carrick also supported Harry Maguire Kobbie Mainoo and the injury affected Luke Shaw who netted his first goal in over three years on Sunday for potential England selections for the World Cup.

England manager Thomas Tuchel will reveal his squad on Friday at Wembley.

"I have no real influence on that but I truly believe so" he said. "Between them all three have improved their prospects recently without doubt."