Forward says the interim coach is helping the players build togetherness
Matheus Cunha says Michael Carrick has helped Manchester United’s players to rediscover character, after defeating Arsenal at the Emirates to record back-to-back wins against the top-two sides in the Premier League.
Cunha has come off the bench in the last two games, but has been crucial in both, providing the assist for United’s second goal against Manchester City last week, before scoring a sensational goal from range to seal the 3-2 victory over Arsenal.
The victories have brought a sense of belief not just among the players but also supporters, who began to chant “We’re going to win the league” at the Emirates on Sunday.
“He knows the feeling,” Cunha said of Carrick. “He played here so many years. He knows the feeling for Manchester. He knows the feeling for United. He knows how the fans want to feel.
“He tried to show us every single moment. He tried to talk us to understand in moments and say, ‘everyone is against us’, so I think we feel more together.
“I think we showed character and power in the group. We know what to expect coming here. I think it’s the best team in the world today, honestly.
“They play with Mikel [Arteta] so long, they know every single tactic, every single thing that he feels, so we know how hard it will to be to come here, but we are United and everything we do is to win the games.”
Carrick has warned that his side cannot afford to get carried away, and should instead focus on getting results “week by week, game by game”, but defender Harry Maguire was under no illusions about the size of the victory.
“It was absolutely massive,” Maguire said. “We know that the first game, the derby at Old Trafford, you’re always up for them, and you know that one-off results can happen, so we had to back it up.
“We spoke about it before the game, coming to the league leaders, who have been excellent this year, I must say. They ask a lot of questions of you. To come here and have the setback late on to get the winner, it was a magnificent performance.”
He echoed Cunha’s comments about the impact Carrick has had on the squad’s character and belief.
“Michael’s come in, he’s been brilliant with us,” said Maguire. “He’s brought a fresh energy in, the group’s really galvanised. Two tough games, everybody probably thinks we come away from them with not many points, but to win both is magnificent.”
