Manchester United: Why the return of the Champions League is crucial for the Old Trafford club

Carrick also made a compelling case for the manager’s job on a full-time basis, especially as two of the most experienced, successful and Premier League-ready replacements, Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti, have committed to international jobs in England and Brazil after the summer.

Roberto De Zerbe has been sacked by Marseille, while Oliver Glasner could suffer the same fate at Crystal Palace before leaving when his contract expires in the summer. Their credentials will not look very attractive compared to Carrick’s if he returns United to Europe’s elite club competition.

They would also be a more commercially attractive proposition.

At a time when questions are starting to be raised about the club’s ability to make deals and the lack of a training ground or kit sponsor, this is very important.

Additionally, although still in the future, if plans for United’s new stadium eventually go ahead, funding will depend on a large proportion of expensive ‘premium’ seats.

While club officials have confirmed that no decisions have been made on ticket prices, a document sent to season ticket holders in October set out guide prices of £4,830 for season tickets in the basement of the stand opposite the dugouts, with hospitality prices rising to £424,800 for a 16-seater large private box in the middle tier of the main stand, at halfway line level.

Obviously, fans would be more willing to pay such figures if they were watching a team competing for major trophies, something that has not happened since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The club’s massive debts, more than £1bn including outstanding transfer fee payments, may at least not need to increase either.

Over the past six weeks, Carrick has repeatedly stressed that he is not impressed by his team’s impressive performances. After Everton’s win, he was asked what victory gave confidence about Champions League qualification on the weekend when Villa and Chelsea both drew at home and Liverpool needed an injury-time winner at Nottingham Forest.

Carrick’s answer had nothing to do with the main point put to him. There is logic behind this. Results can change the narrative very quickly in football.

When he took over as Middlesbrough manager in 2022, Carrick won 15 of his first 20 league games, then won just three of the next 12. The potential automatic promotion spot turned into a play-off meeting with Coventry, which Middlesbrough lost. They never came close to promotion again under the former England midfielder.

He knows his team is well placed to ensure their return to the Champions League. Completing the mission is the mission now.