A season that appeared to be heading nowhere under Ruben Amorim has turned into a campaign full of promise for Manchester United under Michael Carrick. 

The club legend was last month appointed as manager until the end of the season and has since overseen four wins and a draw in his first five games in charge, and all of a sudden, things look much better. 

The fact that United will only play 40 games this season has been well documented. Defeats in the domestic cups to Grimsby Town and Brighton and Hove Albion mean the club will play the fewest games possible in a season, the lowest since the war. 

So, tangibly, there is not a lot to play for this season. However, Champions League football is seen as very important by everyone at the club, and that is now starting to look very good. 

Given the performance of English sides in Europe of late, a fifth Champions League spot is all but secured for the Premier League. So, all United need to do is finish in the top five to secure a spot in Europe's premium competition. 

Although you do not get a trophy for Champions League qualification, it can be very useful for attracting players - albeit, United did well on that front without any European football to offer last summer. 

Furthermore, it can be crucial for keeping your best players at the club. That appears to be the case once again, as according to Steve Bates, sources close to Bruno Fernandes say he's certain to stay at Old Trafford if Champions League football is secured. 

It cannot be overstated how important it is to keep Fernandes at the club. Despite playing in a deeper role under Amorim for much of the season, the Portuguese midfielder tops the Premier League for big chances created this season, with 18, four more than any other player. 

This is not the first time the United number eight has done this, with his 32 big chances created in the 22/23 season also a league high. Just simply one of the best creators this division has seen. 

He may turn 32 this year, but Fernandes is the player you build your side around. He is simply a manager's dream. The type of player you want in the trenches with you. Thank goodness he did not go with the club's wish and decided against a move to Saudi Arabia last summer. 

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