United View: Reds eye Champions League spot

Within the space of a month, Manchester United have gone from turmoil to Champions League qualification being a real possibility. 

In his first five games in charge, Michael Carrick has picked up 13 points from a potential 15, and the Reds remain unbeaten as they go into an extended break.

The Reds cruised past Spurs on Saturday, helped by Cristian Romero’s reckless challenge that left his side playing over an hour with ten men. 

United clearly learned their lesson from their defeat to Everton, controlling much of the contest with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes.

That win saw United move up to fourth, and with Liverpool and Aston Villa dropping points, Carrick’s side could achieve a finish in a Champions League position.

A trip to the London Stadium provided United with their first test against a side that is happy to sit deep and frustrate. 

And the Reds struggled to replicate their free-flowing football that has come so naturally in recent weeks.

Tomas Soucek’s goal looked to be ending United’s unbeaten run in the league, until Benjamin Sesko rescued a crucial point with a superb deft touch to steer the ball just out of reach from Mads Harmansen.

The young Slovenian has had much unfair criticism since his switch in the summer, but right now, he’s showing he can be a real difference maker. 

His goals against Fulham and West Ham have added three points, and he’s now United’s second top goalscorer this season in all competitions.

While five straight wins would have been remarkable, do not underestimate a point away from home in a game where United weren’t particularly good. 

The difference in the Champions League and the Europa League could come down to a few points; moreover, it means United haven’t lost in the league since 21st December.

There is much to learn from this game for Carrick. 

Perhaps he will opt for Sesko starting from the off against teams that will sit back, offering an option for a direct ball or an aerial presence to open up a stubborn defence.

Speaking after the game, Carrick said, “Ben is doing a lot of work, he is in a really good place, and he is ready to kick on. It’s managing the balance. We could have changed things earlier, but when he came on, he made a big difference.”

“We can be better. The boys are frustrated and disappointed with that, which is good to see. We found a late goal, it’s a great moment and another positive. We don’t want to have to pull on it and use it too often, but in the grand scheme of things, a point is something we can take. When you assess games over a five-match period, to only have one draw is a big positive, but it’s mixed feelings.”

After being knocked out of the FA Cup, United have a week off, allowing them time to work on their issues ahead of a trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Everton. 

There is no trip abroad planned, with United instead opting to stay in Manchester to recoup and recover.

It’s a setback, but from what we’ve seen so far from United under Carrick, they certainly have the capability to bounce back. 

No team is at their best every game, but it’s important to right the wrongs as soon as possible, get back to winning ways and push for a top-five finish.