Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick hailed his side's 1-0 win in the 'must-win' Manchester derby on Sunday.

The win lifted the Red Devils to just one point behind fourth-placed City in the Premier League table.

Following the game, United vice-captain heaped praise on his teammates for putting their bodies on the line to record what he feels is a much more important victory than simply the three points on offer.

"I think it is more than three points. The position we are in the league meant it was a must-win," Carrick told Sky Sports.

"We had to get the three points before the international break to give us a boost and something to go at when we come back."

"I thought we were good in the first half with a great goal from Marcus Rashford - an unbelievable finish. We hung on towards the end with some tired bodies cramping everywhere.

"It has been a long and tough week, but we have got through it and it's a great result for us, and a great way to bounce back from Thursday night.

"We have some massive league games and obviously the cup game [replay against West Ham]. So this gives us some momentum going into the final stages of the season."