Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick said the club shouldn’t overcelebrate as they are on the cusp of qualifying for the Champions League next season. The Red Devils registered a 2-1 win against Brentford on Monday to almost confirm their spot in Europe’s prestigious tournament. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko scored in the first half for the home team to give them all three points.

Carrick’s team is in third place in the Premier League standings as they have secured 61 points after 34 matches. United has performed consistently under Michael Carrick since the former midfielder took over the coaching baton from former manager Ruben Amorim.

“We’ve given ourselves a great chance, we’ve put ourselves in a big position,” he said. “It’s a tough league, it’s tough to get wins. You can see that throughout the league. To get the amount of wins we’ve had. I think the lads have got to take a bit of credit for that.

“The Champions League is one thing, but it’s not something that we should be over-celebrating either.

“We want to be finishing high up the league really and we want to be challenging high up in the league and trying to get more points so our season doesn’t get to a close when that happens.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s fans chanted ‘one more year’ at Casemiro after the Brazilian scored his ninth goal of the season. Casemiro is all set to leave the club at the end of the season, and Carrick said there will be no turning back.

“It’s pretty clear,” Carrick said.

“From both sides it’s pretty clear. Probably the situation and the clarity of it has helped everything. It means a lot to him and credit to him because of the situation that it is, he’s given absolutely everything as well and had some big moments for us.”

Manchester United will next take on Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.