Michael Carrick has revealed that managing Manchester United "feels natural" as he continues to make an undeniable case for the job on a permanent basis. The interim boss has transformed the club's fortunes since taking over, guiding them to a crucial 3-2 victory over Liverpool that secured Champions League qualification—a feat that seemed like a distant dream just months ago.

Since stepping into the hot seat, Carrick has masterminded a remarkable run, collecting 32 points from 14 matches. Along the way, United have toppled Premier League heavyweights like Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and now Liverpool. "It has been a good run, we have beaten some very, very good teams," Carrick said, reflecting on the turnaround. "Sometimes we have won it in some ways, some in others."

The former United midfielder, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford as a player, admits the transition to the manager's role has felt seamless. "I love doing what I'm doing. It's a great position for me to be in and it feels pretty natural, if I'm totally honest," he said. "I'm not being blasé because it's a difficult role, but it feels like I've been here a long time in different times on and off. I can understand what it brings, and to be sat in this position is a good position to be in."

Carrick acknowledged that achieving Champions League football surpassed his initial expectations. "When we came in, I think Champions League, to be honest, was a little bit in the distance. We wanted to try and get back into Europe, so to be where we are with three games to spare is a good achievement," he added.

The players are clearly buying into Carrick's vision, with young star Kobbie Mainoo delivering a passionate endorsement after scoring the winner against Liverpool. "He's played a huge part in it, all the confidence he gives all the players," Mainoo said. "You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch."

With the summer decision looming, Carrick's blend of tactical acumen and player loyalty has made him a compelling candidate to lead Manchester United into a new era—one that feels, as he puts it, perfectly natural.