Michael Carrick has claimed that ‘whatever the result’ between Manchester United and Tottenham on Saturday, he doesn’t think it will decide anything regarding the race for a Champions League spot, as he told Premier League Productions (07/03/22 at 10:25 pm).
The former midfielder added that it wasn’t so long ago that he felt Spurs were ‘really challenging’ Chelsea in the Premier League table.
It’s Arsenal who are leading the charge for that fourth spot, with Spurs, Man United, West Ham and possibly Wolves all thinking they are in with a chance.
Mikel Arteta’s side are well and truly in the driving seat because they are one-point ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United with a game in hand, whilst Spurs are three points behind their north London rivals and they have a played a game more.
Nonetheless, this was Carrick’s take on the top-four race, from Tottenham’s perspective, as he also touched upon their visit to Old Trafford at the weekend.
“There have been spells where they (Spurs) have looked dangerous, positive and looked like they could go on a real run,” said Carrick.
“At one stage, they were really challenging Chelsea not so long ago and they were in touching distance of that.
“Then, a couple of results didn’t go Tottenham’s way. And they have ended up being where they are.
“Whatever happens against Manchester United on the weekend. I think there will be twists and turns in that. I think there are four teams that anything is possible. I don’t think this weekend will decide anything, whatever the result.”
It was the reverse fixture earlier on in the season, which Man United won 3-0, that saw the end of the road for Nuno Espirito Santo.
In truth, from then, not much has changed with Spurs, who are still having meltdowns, great moments and going through various mood swings.
The pressure should be off Conte and his players at the weekend, because whilst they thrashed Everton 5-0 on Monday night, it was a 4-1 defeat in the Manchester derby for those in red.
All in all, it will probably end in Man United winning because that’s how things have been swinging for Conte and his players of late.
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