Nicky Butt predicts Manchester United 'could finish third' as Michail Antonio backs Michael Carrick to secure Champions League place

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Nicky Butt and Michail Antonio both backed Michael Carrick to guide Manchester United to a Champions League spot come the end of the Premier League season after watching their 1-1 draw away to West Ham on Tuesday night at the London Stadium. West Ham took the lead early in the second half through Tomas Soucek, before substitute Benjamin Sesko scored late in added time.

Butt predicts top four finish for Man Utd after disappointing draw at West Ham

Video credit: TNT Sports

Nicky Butt and Michail Antonio believe that Manchester United can secure Champions League football for next season under Michael Carrick.

The pair spoke to TNT Sports along with Karen Carney at the London Stadium after United’s 1-1 draw at West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday evening.

United scored late once again under interim head coach Michael Carrick, with Benjamin Sesko coming off the bench to net a 96th-minute equaliser.

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The Reds, in fourth place in the league, stay a point clear of fifth-placed Chelsea, who drew 2-2 at home with Leeds.

United now have a fortnight's break before their next game away to Everton on Monday, February 23.

Former West Ham player Antonio was asked if United are likely to finish in the top four, and he felt that their performances under Carrick so far suggest they will be up to the task.

Highlights: Sesko rescues point for Man Utd with dramatic late leveller

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I still think they've got a great opportunity to do it," Antonio said. "Right now, they're the most in-form team right now. Beat Arsenal, beat Man City, unbeaten in five.

"Today, obviously, they would have wanted the win, but I feel coming here is a difficult game, especially with West Ham difficult to break down.

"Had to get a striker on toe to get more crosses in the box. They've done well, so I couldn't see why they don’t finish in the top four."

Former United midfielder Butt felt that Carrick would ultimately be satisfied with taking a point, given they trailed for much of the match, keeping their unbeaten run of five matches intact.

"Michael will be putting this to bed now," he said. "He'll probably be sitting there thinking that feels more like a win than a draw.

"It keeps the run going, undefeated in five. Everton is a totally different game. He'll work towards that, he'll get the team going again."

Butt then predicted that United would probably win the match at Everton, and could even finish third in the league come the end of the season.

"He'll get the confidence back up," Butt said. "This was going to happen sooner or later. I think this is a good point to take back up the road.

"Everton, they can go on and win that. I think they'll finish third or fourth this season and that will be a really good season for Michael and United."

Carney also praised Carrick for plumping for Sesko, as the Slovenian ultimately secured a point with a smart volley.

"He made the right substitutions, and he got an outcome when they weren't playing well," Carney said.

"They might get on the bus and think, ‘We took something from this, and we might not have deserved this.’"

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