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Michael Carrick has beaten Mikel Arteta twice, Unai Emery and Pep Guardiola in his two stints in charge at Manchester United Michael Carrick says the chance to inflict damage on one of the men thought to be a contender to be Manchester United's next head coach will not be a motivating factor in Sunday's game against Crystal Palace. Palace manager Oliver Glasner is second favourite for the permanent role with most bookmakers, despite a troubled campaign in which he has openly criticised his club's board, lost in the FA Cup to Macclesfield and fallen out with supporters amid a struggling Premier League campaign. Interim Manchester United boss Carrick is now the favourite, thanks to five wins and a draw from his six games in charge. It is a record which, after Aston Villa's shock defeat at Wolves on Friday, means United will go third in the table for the first time since the end of the 2022-23 campaign if they beat Palace at Old Trafford. That is enough of a motivation for Carrick, who says there is no personal element to his preparations at all. "It is not something that would cross my mind until you mentioned it, " he said. "It doesn't make any difference whatsoever. "I have total respect for Crystal Palace and Oliver, in terms of the team that they are and the role they are doing. But it's the next game for us. " Palace were ahead of United in the table when the two sides met on 30 November. One influential figure in United's 2-1 success that day, Matthijs de Ligt, has not played since because of a back injury. Fellow centre-half Lisandro Martinez missed Monday's win at Everton with a calf problem which Carrick regards as "a small issue" that will not keep the Argentine out "for very long". With fifth-placed Chelsea due to play Arsenal and Aston Villa in their next two games, this is looking like a chance for United to cement their position in the Champions League places. It is an aim few thought likely when Ruben Amorim was sacked in January. "We are in a decent spot, " Carrick said. "We feel like we are moving forwards, but it's just about what's in front of us, and trying to get to where we want to be, which is a little bit higher in the league. "That's literally all I'm worried about in the moment. " Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan views Ask about Man Utd - what do you want to know? Free-scoring Semenyo takes burden off Haaland Carrick not interested in personal Glasner duel Celtic & Rangers face double jeopardy in derby like no other Lord Sugar's hopefuls jet off to Hong Kong Annie and Nick look ahead to the Brit Awards The making of Charli XCX's fourth album, during the 2020 lockdown An occult-tinged crime shakes a Welsh village to its core 'Not fair to fans' - how VAR denied Burnley one of greatest comebacks The moment I told my mum I wanted to stop football - and how life changed 'Borthwick relaxed but defiant amid England Six Nations slide' How do Man City's Muslim players adapt to Ramadan? Cadillac and Audi - the same ambition but two very different projects All you need to know about Netball Super League 2026 #Do It Like Harry - from viral Twickenham mascot to England U18s prospect India overpower Zimbabwe to restore hopes of semi-final spot. Video India overpower Zimbabwe to restore hopes of semi-final spot The £37m cost of Man Utd's past two managerial changes 'He had it all' - Taylor pays emotional tribute to Virgo. Video'He had it all' - Taylor pays emotional tribute to Virgo 'I had some potential, but my personality was preventing me from reaching it' The 'rare combination' behind Britain's youngest F1 driver 'Darlings of Italian football' - how Atalanta salvaged national pride 'It would be catastrophic' - are Spurs too big to go down? 'Equal in decay' - Mayweather v Pacquiao is another boxing 'carnival' How safe is bare-knuckle boxing as it fights for mainstream appeal? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.