Carrick happy with Champions League chat

Michael Carrick is glad Manchester United are at the centre of the Champions League qualification debate.

While United had never been detached from the group trying to secure access to European football's elite competition, their results were so inconsistent under Ruben Amorim that few thought it was realistic they would end their two-year absence.

But four wins and a draw in five games under Carrick mean United go to Everton knowing victory will put them clear in fourth and just three points adrift of third-placed Aston Villa.

It is almost certain fifth will be enough given the Premier League is so far clear of its European rivals in the battle to claim one of Uefa's two additional slots.

Carrick is taking nothing for granted, though.

"It's good everyone's asking that question," he said of United's hopes of a return. "It shows we've put ourselves in a good position to start with.

"We're not getting too carried away after a few weeks. But we're in a good position and we're positive, which we should be.

"There's a lot of good things to take and it's possible. It's up to us to take the opportunity."