The coach has won three consecutive games since taking over after Ruben Amorim's sacking last month and was effusive in his praise of the application put in by the squad.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's (07.02.26) Premier League clash with Tottenham, Carrick said: "The players have been spot on and fully focused. We’re all aware of the bigger situation and what might happen.

"As a player, you focus on what’s ahead of you, trying to achieve what you can at this moment in time and the rest of the season.

"The lads have been better than you can imagine. We’re focused on being better, improving and getting ourselves and this club to where we want to be. Small steps, but it’s a big end to the season.

"People were saying at the time that the first two games were standout and we expected a tough start and in some ways that helped get the whole group focused and alive. I didn't look too far ahead.

"Over time we got a vague idea of what we wanted to look like and since we’ve been here that becomes a lot clearer of what direction we want to go in and how we want to play.

"The three wins have been fantastic in different ways. We’ve got a lot of growth in the team and squad."

There has been speculation about United playing mid-season friendly matches in Saudi Arabia as they only have Premier League games left this term after early exits from both cup competitions and Carrick suggested that the matter is "up for discussion".

He said: "At this stage, there is nothing confirmed. We’re aware of the schedule and there are some spaces we can use in different ways.

"It’s all up for discussion at the moment but nothing has been decided. It might happen, it might not, we will see."