‘Calm down’ – Given says after defeat against Manchester: ‘It’s not all doom and gloom’
Video credit: TNT Sports
In fact, it was only the second time in eight games since the former midfielder played in the Old Trafford dugout that United failed to pick up all three points.
With six wins, including matches against title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal, they rose from seventh to third in the standings.
Since Carrick’s first game, the Manchester derby victory, United have picked up 19 points, more than anyone else in the division, including league leaders Arsenal, and have played one more game, helping them qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
“Just because we get one result doesn’t mean everything is bleak,” he said.
“Michael has plenty of time to formulate a game plan for his next match. I hope he calmly faces the coach and those in power.”
Defeat to Newcastle was less damaging as Aston Villa and Liverpool were defeated that week, but Carrick’s side were able to hold on to third place for now.
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Highlights: 10-man Newcastle Lockman United in thriller at St James’s
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How many English teams will qualify for next season’s Champions League?
At this rate, the top four will qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
It is also possible that one of the six players taking part in this season’s tournament could qualify by lifting the trophy while finishing outside the top five in the Premier League.
Similarly, either Villa or Nottingham Forest could qualify by winning the Europa League, even if they finish outside the top five in the Premier League.
If that happens, there will be up to seven English teams participating in next year’s tournament.
What is the current situation?
United are now three points behind sixth-placed Liverpool, with Villa and Chelsea in between them.
Carrick’s side are level with Villa on 51 points, while Chelsea and last season’s champions are level on 48 points.
Carrick’s condition since the first game of the season (January 17th)
PW-D-LPts Manchester United 86-1-119 Chelsea 85-2-117 Liverpool 84-1-313 Aston Villa 82-2-48
Who is most likely at this stage?
According to Opta, Manchester United have a 55% chance of finishing in the top four and a 76.6% chance of finishing in the top five if additional spots are confirmed.
Despite their recent downturn in form, Villa are still given the best odds of making it to the top four (80% for the top five) at 58.2%, with manager Unai Emery helping them arrest their decline.
Chelsea currently have a rate of 41.3% in the top four (65.6% in the top five), while Liverpool currently have a rate of 40.3% (63.1% in the top five).
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Opta supercomputer forecast as of March 5th
Image credit: Opta
Which matches could decide the outcome?
Carrick and United will be encouraged by the fact that they have no cup or European qualification remaining as an advantage over their rivals. However, they will next face Villa in a tense game at Old Trafford as they look to bounce back from their loss to Newcastle.
A trip to Chelsea and home to Liverpool in April will also test their ambitions with trips to Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton.
Manchester United remaining games*
March 15 – Aston Villa (h)March 20 – Bournemouth (a)April 13 – Leeds (h)April 18 – Chelsea (a)April 27 – Brentford (h)May 2nd – Liverpool (h)May 9th – Sunderland (a)May 17th – Nottingham Forest (h)May 24th – Brighton (a)
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Highlights: Pedro hits triple as Chelsea inflict more pain on Villa
Video credit: TNT Sports
Villa’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League are perhaps reflected in the fact that after the trip to Old Trafford, four of their next six games will be against relegation-threatened West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and Burnley, with a decisive game against Liverpool coming up on the penultimate weekend.
Aston Villa’s remaining Premier League matches*
March 15 – Manchester United (a)March 22 – West Ham (h)April 11th – Nottingham Forest (a)April 18 – Sunderland (h)April 25 – Fulham (a)May 2 – Tottenham Hotspur (h)May 9 – Burnley (a)May 17 – Liverpool (h)May 24 – Manchester City (a)
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‘Warrior’ Pedro is ‘scary’ but could be better, Rosenior says
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Chelsea’s fixtures look tough on paper as they face United at home and title-chasing City, then travel to Anfield. Furthermore, Everton, Brighton and Sunderland could also be banana peels.
Chelsea’s remaining Premier League games*
March 14 – Newcastle (h)March 21 – Everton (a)April 12 – Manchester City (h)April 18 – Manchester United (h)April 26 – Brighton (a)May 2nd – Nottingham Forest (h)May 9th – Liverpool (a)May 17 – Tottenham Hotspur (h)May 24 – Sunderland (a)
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Highlights: Wolves overwhelm champions Liverpool in dramatic finale at Molineux
Video credit: TNT Sports
Liverpool have perhaps the most difficult list of fixtures, as they face three other teams in the remaining four league games. May begins with a trip to Manchester, followed by Chelsea a week later and Villa away shortly after. Before that, there is the small matter of an away Merseyside derby against Everton in April.
Liverpool’s remaining Premier League matches*
March 15 – Tottenham Hotspur (h)March 21 – Brighton (a)April 11 – Fulham (h)April 19 – Everton (a)April 25th – Crystal Palace (a)May 2nd – Manchester United (a)May 9th – Chelsea (h)May 17 – Aston Villa (a)May 24 – Brentford (h)
*Subject to change
