Defeat so costly for the Reds

MICHAEL Carrick has cut a frustrated figure after Manchester United let slip the chance to usurp rivals Manchester City in the top-four.

United now need to beat Bournemouth on Sunday and hope City lose at Swansea, as their far superior goal difference means a draw at the Liberty Stadium would be enough for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

Louis van Gaal’s men had arrived at West Ham knowing victory would put the battle for Champions League qualification in their own hands heading into the season finale.

Anthony Martial’s brace after a deflected Diafra Sakho opener put United on course, only for Michail Antonio and Winston Reid to see West Ham sign off with an unforgettable 3-2 win.

The loss leaves the Red Devils two points of City heading in the final match of the campaign.

“We have to (stay focused), that’s the situation that has presented itself now,” midfielder Carrick said.

“We were in control of it going into the West Ham game but we’ve let it slip. We have to win our last league game now and then see what happens.

“It’s no good for us.

“We got ourselves back in the game and then didn’t really help ourselves with giving away free-kicks.

“We have to be cleverer than that.

“We put ourselves under pressure by letting them put the ball into our box too often.

“In the end that won them the game and we’re very disappointed.”