Monday’s briefing: Man Utd do their best to cheer Sir Alex Ferguson

Michael Carrick boosted his hopes of becoming Manchester United’s permanent manager after a 3-2 home win against Liverpool sealed their place in next season’s Champions League.

Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital for precautionary treatment after feeling ill before kick-off at Old Trafford and is understood to be recovering.

Tottenham climbed out of the Premier League’s bottom three after an impressive 2-1 win at Aston Villa, William Hill Premiership title challengers Celtic won 2-1 at 10-man Hibernian and in the Women’s Super League, Manchester City stayed on course for the title.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick admits he feels “pretty natural” in the role after the 3-2 victory over Liverpool not only secured Champions League football but strengthened his claims to be permanently appointed to the job.

United’s first league double over their arch-rivals since the 2015-16 season was sealed by Kobbie Mainoo’s winner after efforts from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were cancelled out by Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo following mistakes early in the second half.

“It has been a good run, we have beaten some very good teams and it’s been challenging,” said Carrick.

“I love doing what I am doing, it’s a great position for me to be in and it feels pretty natural if I’m totally honest.

“I’m not being blase because it’s a difficult role but it feels like I’ve been here a long time on and off and I understand what it brings and to be sat in this position is a good position to be in.”

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to be recovering after being taken to hospital ahead of Sunday’s match against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

A source has indicated to the Press Association that the 84-year-old is “OK”, having sought precautionary medical attention ahead of the 3.30pm kick-off.

Ferguson, a regular attendee at matches both home and away, was pictured on social media meeting guests at the ground before he started feeling unwell.

It is understood he was initially assessed in the tunnel area of the ground before being transported to hospital.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is not getting carried away despite his side taking a major step towards Premier League safety with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa.

Spurs put in their best performance of the season to claim three crucial points at Villa Park, thanks to first-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison.

They look a different side under De Zerbi, registering back-to-back league victories for the first time since August, and are now favourites to beat the drop.

“I am very happy for the performance, we won a great game against a great Aston Villa,” the Italian said. “They had to play Thursday, a very important game for them, but this is always very tough playing against (Unai) Emery, against this Villa in this stadium.

“For that I am really pleased, it was a good performance with the ball, without the ball. Without the ball we showed great courage and we showed great qualities.”

Martin O’Neill believes a draw between William Hill Premiership title rivals Hearts and Rangers on Monday would be the best result for Celtic after they kept themselves firmly in the three-horse race with a “very edgy” 2-1 victory away to 10-man Hibernian.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored the decisive goal in the 72nd minute after the Hibees – who had Jamie McGrath sent off in the 20th minute – cancelled out Daizen Maeda’s opener when Joe Newell notched in first-half stoppage time.

The Hoops moved level on points with leaders Hearts – with an inferior goal difference – and four ahead of Rangers. Those two face each other in their game in hand at Tynecastle on Monday – and both still have to visit Celtic Park.

“I will be watching it, I want to see what it’s like,” O’Neill said. “Today, with Hibs down to 10 men, had we maybe got a second goal before they scored, then it might become a different issue (in terms of goal difference), but as it turns out, it was very edgy towards the end.

“So I genuinely don’t know. Maybe a draw. With a draw, at least people drop points.”

Rebecca Knaak’s stoppage-time header earned Manchester City a crucial 1-0 win over Liverpool which keeps the Women’s Super League title race in their hands.

A week after their shock defeat at Brighton offered Arsenal hope, City laboured against Liverpool and their former manager Gareth Taylor, and were moments away from leaving the door open for Arsenal to move level at the top if they could win their three games in hand.

But in the first minute of six added on, Knaak’s stooping header squirmed under Jennifer Falk to ensure City end the campaign with a perfect winning record at the Joie Stadium, knowing a win on the final day at West Ham will bring their first title in 10 years even if Arsenal win their remaining games.

What’s on today?

Manchester City will bid to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to three points with a game in hand with victory at Everton, while Chelsea hope to keep their outside European hopes alive at home against Nottingham Forest.

William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts face title rivals Rangers in a crucial clash at Tynecastle and in the WSL, Aston Villa take on West Ham at Villa Park.