Michael Carrick issues Sir Alex Ferguson message after he’s hospitalised | Football | Sport

His mood will have been significantly lifted by United’s victory over their fiercest rivals. Goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko handed Carrick’s side a 2-0 advantage at the interval.

However, Liverpool fought back early in the second half through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo. Kobbie Mainoo’s thunderbolt from the edge of the area secured all three points and Champions League football next season for United.

Speaking afterwards, Carrick said: “I don’t know the latest as we stand now. I did hear about it before the game. All I can say is I was very affected by it and we just hope he’s alright.

“I just don’t know the latest but we hope for him to be in good shape and we wish him all the best and we’re certainly thinking of him. And hopefully the result, when he hears about it, gives him a good boost.”

The outcome moved United six points clear of Liverpool to cement their position in third place in the Premier League and reinforce Carrick’s strengthening hold on the permanent role. Match-winner Mainoo is absolutely certain the interim boss deserves to retain the role next season.

“He’s [Carrick] played a huge part,” he said. “The confidence in not just me but all the players. You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch. That’s what we showed today.

“To turn it around the way we have done, it’s a credit to the players and the manager as well. We are just looking forward and still need to finish the season strong. It’s not enough for us. We want to just keep on winning and winning.”