Assistant manager Steve Holland told the club’s website that United are chasing more than a Champions League spot. Since Michael Carrick took charge in mid‑January, the Red Devils have climbed to third, seven matches from the finish. Aiming to finish as close to the top as possible, Holland stresses winning each game by deriving victories.

The club’s recent 7‑point cushion over sixth‑placed Chelsea keeps pressure on rivals, especially after Arsenal’s 1‑0 win over Sporting that guarantees at least five English teams a Champions League berth. United’s training camp in Dublin exploited a 24‑day break between a 2‑2 draw at Bournemouth and the upcoming Leeds match for the season end ahead.

Midweek, United rested after a Premier League record gap between fixtures, a gap widened by the international window and early cup exits. Holland said bringing the squad together in Dublin was essential to refocus on finishing the season strongly, noting the club’s ambition now stretches beyond merely qualifying for Europe.

Carrick’s leadership has been praised by former players like Craig Burley and Shaka Hislop, who credit him with revitalising the midfield. With Harry Maguire’s new contract and a potential permanent head‑coach role for Carrick, United’s management signals a long‑term rebuild aimed at reclaiming domestic and European glory for the club again soon.