"Manchester United could make changes for Saturday's trip to Sunderland with Champions League qualification for next season now secured. The third-place Red Devils made sure of their return to Europe's elite club competition with three games to spare thanks to a thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford last weekend, with Kobbie Mainoo netting a dramatic late winner after early goals from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko had been cancelled out after the break by Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo."
"It was United's first Premier League double over Liverpool in a decade and officially ended their two-year exile from the Champions League, with the result meaning that they can now not finish any lower than fifth this term. It was also another huge boost to interim head coach Michael Carrick's chances of becoming the club's next full-time manager, though there has still been no official decision taken in that regard."
"I think every player in the squad has been absolutely fantastic, I have to say, Carrick said at his pre-Sunderland press conference on Thursday. Some have played a lot more than others and I understand from a professional and a playing point of view it can be difficult, but the togetherness and the support that the players have shown, certainly each other, is great to see."
"It's what we need within the group and that's part of the challenge of doing a lot of training and not having as many games as we would have liked. It's the balance that we've made the most of really, so coming into these games it's something we're aware of. I think it's really something we're keen on playing well and still trying to get good results as well, but it's definitely something to be aware of. Whether that rotation approach starts this weekend remains to be seen."
Manchester United secured Champions League qualification for next season with three games remaining after a 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford. Early goals by Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were cancelled after the break by Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, before Kobbie Mainoo scored a dramatic late winner. The win delivered Manchester United’s first Premier League double over Liverpool in a decade and ended a two-year absence from Europe’s top competition. The result guarantees United cannot finish lower than fifth. Interim head coach Michael Carrick said squad togetherness and support have been strong, while rotation may be considered for the trip to Sunderland. Sunderland has struggled for wins recently, including a recent 1-1 draw.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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