Bruno Fernandes scored and set up Bryan Mbeumo's second goal in a performance that underlined the depth of quality available to whoever manages United next season. Fernandes' assist was his 20th of the campaign, equalling the all-time Premier League record shared by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.
Luke Shaw, starting his 37th consecutive league game, opened the scoring inside five minutes. Matheus Cunha added a third after Morato had levelled early in the second half, before Forest pulled one back late on.
Carrick was measured when asked whether this constituted the perfect afternoon.
"It was a good day. We were really conscious about finishing on a high. We've made some really good strides as a team and as a club. It's easy to get to this stage and that extra spark is not there. To finish like we did, for so many reasons, makes it a good day for us."
He acknowledged that the season's achievement must now serve as a foundation rather than a destination.
"There are two sides to it. Understanding the position of where we want to get to, compared to where we've been. Understanding what steps that will take. I do genuinely think it was a fantastic achievement to get where we are. The players deserve a lot of credit for that. You just want to keep improving. The higher up the league you go, the harder it gets. You have to make big steps but it's harder to make those steps."
On the question of squad development, Carrick was careful not to undermine the existing group while making clear that additions will be needed.
"Evolving the group is one thing for sure โ that's no negative on the group as it is now. You just want to keep pushing forward. We've got a really good group of players that we want to keep trying to improve and get better. If that's additions, that's additions. Some of the younger players will be better for it as well with another season of experience at this club. There's no magic ingredient to doing that. It's hard work, a bit of brains and having good players."
Asked about the contribution of new arrivals Cunha, Benjamin ล eลกko and Mbeumo, Carrick acknowledged the adjustment they have made across the season and pointed to further growth ahead.
"It's been a really good first season for all the boys who have come in. Getting judged on goals and assists, I get that for attacking players. I think the overall coping and adapting and improving as the season goes on is important. Next season will present different challenges and backing it up is another challenge. Really positive with those players in particular and I'm sure there's more to come."
He was visibly moved by Fernandes' record-equalling moment, describing what it must have felt like to manage the situation from the bench as the captain weighed up each decision in real time.
"It's a little bit chaotic down on the pitch and in the dressing room. For me, watching from the side, you're thinking: what's going through his head? Is he looking for a pass or to score? Is he second-guessing it? He coped with it fantastically well and it was a really nice moment for everybody. He always puts the team first and today was another one of those days, even though he's going to get the praise because it is a fantastic achievement."
On the subject of Shaw's fitness record โ starting every league game of the season โ Carrick was struck by what it takes to achieve that in a 38-game Premier League campaign.
"It's difficult for anybody to achieve that when there's so many games. Sometimes, it's no fault of your own โ injuries are a part of football. So to start every game is a really fantastic thing to be able to do. He's hit that stage now where he's got an awful lot of experience. He's been here for a long time and he knows the club."
Carrick backed Shaw, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo to make Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, which is due to be announced on Friday.
"I certainly think so. I've not got much sway in the matter at all. But his consistency and what he's capable of doing, his performance levels, his experience, his attributes โ he's a fantastic full-back. I think all three of them have done their chances no harm recently."
On his own Manchester United future, Carrick gave little away but indicated clarity is coming soon.
"It's been pretty clear that over the coming days there will be clarity on the situation. Today was all about getting the right result and shining the light on individuals. Whatever the news is going to be, I'm sure you will get it in a few days."
United travel to Brighton for the final game of the season next weekend, after which a permanent appointment is expected to be confirmed.