Michael Carrick said he hoped Manchester United’s win over Liverpool would be a tonic for Sir Alex Ferguson after the legendary Old Trafford boss suffered a health scare before Sunday’s game.
The 84-year-old felt unwell at the stadium and was taken to hospital as a precaution more than an hour before kick-off, but it’s understood that Ferguson was able to return home.
After Kobbie Mainoo’s strike gave United a 3-2 win over their old rivals, Carrick said: ‘I haven’t got any updates. I did hear about it before the game, so I was aware about that. All I can say is I was affected. We hope he’s in good shape and wish him all the best – hopefully the result gives him a good boost.’
It is since understood that Ferguson is ‘OK’, according to the Press Association. They state that he was initially assessed in the tunnel area of the ground before being transported to hospital.
The win confirmed United’s return to the Champions League next season, which was Carrick’s target when he took over from Ruben Amorim in January.
It strengthens the case to give him the head coach’s job on a full-time basis and Matheus Cunha, who scored United’s first goal on Sunday, drew comparisons between Ferguson and Carrick.
Michael Carrick hopes Sir Alex Ferguson was given a boost after Man United’s win on Sunday
Ferguson (right, pictured in September) felt unwell in the build-up to the Old Trafford clash
‘We’re learning so much, of course, when Michael comes in. He came with magic – Alex Ferguson vibes,’ said the Brazilian.
‘He talks so much about his team, the conquering team. We focus so hard to reach the objective. At the end of the day, this is just the start of the journey. It’s the beginning – a beautiful beginning!’
This was Carrick’s 10th win in his 14 games in charge, and puts United in a great position to finish third behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
Asked if he will be disappointed not to get the job now, the 44-year-old said: ‘I love doing what I’m doing. It’s a great position for me to be in, and it feels pretty natural if I’m totally honest.
‘I’m not being blase because it’s a difficult role, but it feels like I’ve been here a long time on and off. I can understand what it brings and to be sat in this position is a good position to be in.
‘We will have to wait and see. When we came in, the Champions League was a bit in the distance. We wanted to get back into Europe and to be there with three games to spare is a big achievement. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen.
‘It’s been a good run. We’ve beaten some very, very good teams and it’s been challenging. Sometimes we’ve won it in some ways, sometimes we’ve won it in other ways.’
Mainoo’s winner was his first goal of the season and came at the end of a week in which he signed a new six-year contract worth £150,000-a-week.
Carrick says he loves being the Man United boss with his role uncertain beyond this season
The 21-year-old’s future at his boyhood club had appeared uncertain after he was marginalised under Amorim.
‘It’s difficult any time you’re not playing football,’ said Mainoo. ‘I tried to keep my head down, work hard and look forward as much as possible.
‘I’m so blessed to be in this position. I’m glad to be here and my future is at this club. I used to dream about days like this. It’s nice to be back among the goals, I haven’t scored for a while.
‘To turn (the season) around the way we have is credit to all the players and the manager. He gives so much confidence to not just me but all the players. We still need to finish the season strong, this is not enough for us.
‘It was a huge goal for us to get Champions League, but the season isn’t over yet, we’re not letting our foot off the gas.’
