Carrick: That win is for Ole

Carrick oversaw a thrilling 2-0 win for the Reds at the Estadio de la Ceramica in his first game in temporary charge, having taken on the reins following Solskjaer’s departure at the weekend. 

After a tight contest in Spain, United secured progression to the knockout phase of this season’s Champions League with a game to spare, courtesy of late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. 

Speaking after the game, Michael said the triumph was for his former colleague in the dugout, while discussing the significance of the result and Sancho’s first goal for the club, among other topics. 

Here is a round-up of all of the key quotes from our caretaker manager's post-match media duties…

A HUGE WIN

"That one meant a lot. It was a tough, tough game, they’re a good team. They really test you and make you work, they’re really good with the ball and push you to the limit defensively. We had to be good at times, we had to dig in at times tonight and I thought, as the game grew, we got better. We had a little spell after half-time that we struggled to get hold of the ball, but I thought the substitutes had a massive impact. A clean sheet too, David [De Gea]’s had to make a save or two for us and keep us in the game when he has to. It’s a terrific night for the players, a terrific night for the club, to go through in the Champions League is amazing. That one’s for Ole that."

THE BOYS SHOWED CHARACTER

"Let’s be honest, I don’t think we could have hoped to have come out here and played really pretty football from the word go. When you have suffered results-wise and not being in a great run of form, individually and as a team, it’s not easy to just come out and let things click. In some ways, tonight was the best way to win, we had to show some character, we had to dig in and fight. It went our way at times, it didn’t some other times, and, on occasions, it could have drifted away from us. After half-time, we got back together again, and the subs made a massive impact towards the end. The game had a bit of everything and that’s all I could have hoped for, the boys gave everything."

A TEAM EFFORT

"I wouldn't want to say who was the star, I thought as a squad, obviously you don't get to see it, but over a period of time, what we've been saying is we haven't been good enough on the pitch but actually behind the scenes, there's been a lot of good things and it's a good group of players. I thought everyone was a star tonight, I really did. The spirit in and around the players, the spirit of the boys that weren't even playing, the boys who travelled that weren't on the list, the support that they gave the team was amazing. I think everyone played their part tonight. That's what you get when you're all at it and you've got the full package of everything coming together."

RONALDO’S GOAL 

"Fred’s done fantastic, to be fair, and won the ball back high which we wanted to do. When Ronaldo gets that chance, you know he’s going to put it away, it just ticks another one for him on his list."

DELIGHT FOR SANCHO

"I was so pleased for Jadon, I thought he worked his socks off tonight, I thought he gave everything tonight. At times, it wasn't always with the ball, and I know how much he enjoys the ball at his feet, trying to make things happen. He showed a different side tonight and to get his goal at the end pretty much capped it off perfectly for him and for us."

MANAGING UNITED 

"I enjoyed it. I have got to thank the staff I have behind me. The support they've given me over the last couple of days has been amazing and they've been there, giving me little helps here and there. It's not just about me, it's about everyone. Standing on the touchline and seeing the boys give what they did to get the club through, it's not my night, it's about getting through for the players, it's their season. I thought they stood up tonight and hopefully it's a fresh start for them. Hopefully, there's more to come."

SHOUT-OUT TO THE TRAVELLING REDS

"We can hear them. We hear them loud and clear every single week, whether it's home or away. I've said it for a long time since I came to the club 14 or 15 years ago, it's amazing how much support they give and how much it can energise the players. In difficult times, I think that's what sets them apart for me. We've had some difficult times over the years but they're there and they're supporting in the right way. Yeah, of course we get disappointed, and we get criticism but that's what fans are for, because it's what they pay the money for, it's entertainment, it's the life of them. The support they give the team is incredible and every one of us really does appreciate it."