Michael Carrick believes Manchester United averted 'disaster' by defeating Manchester City - but insists it will count for nothing if they do not follow it up with more wins.
United gave their indifferent season a shot in the arm with a 1-0 victory over their city rivals at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
It was a result that revived United's faltering hopes of Champions League qualification, taking them level with West Ham and just a single point behind City in the battle for fourth.
"To get a result was great because it was a must-win for the league and if we had lost then it would have been a disaster in terms of going into the international break and coming back after that a long way off [fourth]," said Carrick.
"All in all it was a great day and hopefully this can turn things around for us. It's a massive boost but it's only a big boost and worth it if we carry it on when we get back.
"We need to go on a good run now, everyone is the same. It's at that stage of the season where everything seems to count for a lot more - every point, every win."
Marcus Rashford was once again the match-winner for United, with the 18-year old scoring the only goal of the game, following his starring role in the team's 3-2 win over Arsenal in February.
They were two notable wins for the club and under-fire manager Louis Van Gaal, either side of a league defeat to West Brom and Europa League elimination at the hands of Liverpool.
The run of results is representative of the inconsistency that has plagued the Red Devils' season, and Carrick accepts that is something they will have to address in order to achieve their goals.
"It's football, sometimes it's tough to explain. It has been a funny season," the midfielder added. "It has been frustrating because we know we have got performances in us, and you can see that against the so called bigger teams, but it's not enough."
"Consistency is the key to winning the league and doing well in it. You need to be consistent so that's what we need to get better it."
The 34-year old is out of contract in the summer, and he has revealed that he is unsure as to what the future holds for him.
He said: "I am not sure yet to be honest. I haven't heard anything just at the moment. Hopefully (I will find) some time soon.
"I have been here a long time, I have had some great times here and I love the club. It's a great place to play.
Carrick, who has 34 caps, has not been included in England's squad for forthcoming friendlies against Germany and Holland but has not given up hope of playing at Euro 2016.
"It's the same for everyone. A lot can change between now and the summer," he said. "There are some big games and you have got to be consistent. That is how it goes."