Michael Carrick insists his focus remains firmly on finishing the season with a flourish, rather than worrying about his long-term future at Manchester United.

The 44-year-old former United midfielder stepped in as interim manager in January, following Ruben Amorim's brief and ill-fated tenure. Since then, Carrick has engineered a remarkable turnaround at Old Trafford. Sunday's thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Liverpool not only secured Champions League qualification with three games to spare but also sent a clear message that the Red Devils are back on track.

Despite that success, Carrick's position beyond the current campaign remains uncertain—a situation that could complicate United's summer transfer plans. "Clarity is important," Carrick admitted ahead of Saturday's trip to Sunderland. "Moving forward, it's come at the right time, right at the end of the season. We've finished strong and put ourselves in a good position."

When asked why securing a Champions League return hadn't strengthened his standing, Carrick remained pragmatic. "It's a matter of days ago, and we've got eyes on finishing the season strongly as well. From my point of view, it's just about putting the boys in a place to finish strong. Then, as I've said all along, it'll get sorted out when it's going to get sorted out. Some of it's out of my hands."

While Carrick stays coy, his players have been far more vocal. Teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo, fresh from scoring the winner against Liverpool, summed up the dressing room sentiment: "We're willing to die for him." It's the kind of endorsement that resonates—especially when it comes from a player who embodies the club's future.

For now, Carrick is focused on the finish line, not his own job security. And if his players keep performing like they did against Liverpool, the decision might just make itself.