Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has claimed they must regroup and start afresh after the conclusion of the Reds’ 12-match unbeaten streak.

The impressive run was finally halted by Dusan Tadic’s second-half strike, which sent Louis van Gaal’s side down to fourth. With the Saints now sitting above the 20-time league champions, Carrick was evidently frustrated following 90 minutes of action controlled by the hosts. He told MUTV:

We looked the one team that was looking to score a goal. To concede like we did and to lose the game was hugely disappointing.

"It was a blow to lose that game I think in the way it panned out. Not that we created a load of chances, but at the same time there was nothing in the game for them and we looked comfortable.

"We looked the one team that was looking to score a goal. To concede like we did - out of nowhere pretty much - and to lose the game was hugely disappointing. With where they are in the league, with them being in the same situation as us - wanting to push on and be closer to the top - it was a big day for us and we have let one slip."

The 33-year-old has now considered Ronald Koeman’s side are contenders for the Champions League qualification places, with the Saints substantially over-achieving despite a number of sales of influential players – including Luke Shaw to the Red Devils. He added:

You have to start again. I think regardless of the result, you have to start again from week to week. It is not going to knock us too much because we will learn from the mistakes.

"They have got to be right in there, they are now so we have to give them credit and respect them for where they are now.

"For us, it is just about looking at ourselves and getting back to some sort of run and some sort of form that breeds momentum again, so that we are looking upwards and looking ahead again. You don’t want to be battling for third or fourth place, we want to be up there, right at the top and that is the challenge that we have got to set ourselves.

 "You have to start again. I think regardless of the result, you have to start again from week to week. It is not going to knock us too much because we will learn from the mistakes. We are certainly disappointed but we will look to bounce back next week.”

Michael Carrick has made 12 appearances for Manchester United this season.