Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has expressed his delight at taking all three points from Anfield on Sunday, as the Red Devils soared to a 2-1 victory against Liverpool.
Having recently penned a one-year contract extension at the Theatre of Dreams, the 33-year-old described the game as a “massive win” as his side rose five points ahead of their historic rivals – which saw Steven Gerrard dismissed after just 38 seconds.
Carrick highlighted the value of the promising victory, which has seen manager Louis van Gaal praised on the back of a staggering 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, who are also pushing for a Champions League place.
“This is the place to win, it’s a massive game,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where we are in the league, or where they are, it is always special but it had that extra bit of importance. They were chasing us and right on us so it was a massive win.
“The first half performance was as good as we’ve played here. They always press and make it a high-tempo match, but I thought we got the ball down, played some terrific football and caused them a lot of problems. We were deservedly ahead at half-time.”
The central midfielder was noted as one of many Reds to perform incredibly well on the afternoon, in which Juan Mata stole the headlines with a phenomenal brace. Carrick declared his admiration for the Spaniard’s performance, adding:
“I thought the second goal was a sensational finish. The first one was also good, mind you, a good touch and finish on his right foot, but the second was pretty special. I’m sure he’ll remember that and it’ll get played a few times.”
Van Gaal has also suggested Carrick could have a future in management in recent times, potentially as the Dutchman’s replacement at Old Trafford – his last club in football.
Manchester United trial Arsenal and Manchester City by one and two points respectively.