Struggling with 11 men, United's hopes of victory against Bolton at Old Trafford appeared to have disappeared when they were reduced to 10 following the dismissal of Jonny Evans 15 minutes from time.
Yet they not only managed to survive allowing Matthew Taylor a free header which should have been converted, United went on to collect maximum points thanks to Dimitar Berbatov's 21st goal of the season.
At the same time, nearest rivals Arsenal were dropping two points at West Brom to hand the title initiative back to the Red Devils heading into an international break that has come at just the right time for Sir Alex Ferguson and his men.
"You have to keep believing and trusting each other," said Carrick. "Experience helps because we have done it a few times before.
"Going into the last five minutes you keep telling each other to be patient and that a chance will come. Then it is about putting it away."
Source: PA