News Focus
- Matheus Cunha praises interim manager Michael Carrick’s connection to Manchester United’s trophy-winning history
- Manchester United defeat Liverpool 3-2 to confirm Champions League qualification with three matches remaining
- Carrick has secured ten victories in fourteen matches since taking temporary charge in January
- The club targets a top-three Premier League finish for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013
- Cunha casts doubt on Casemiro’s departure despite the midfielder’s announced exit
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha believes interim boss Michael Carrick has rediscovered the winning formula that defined the club’s greatest era. The Brazilian striker claims Carrick carries the same “magic” that characterised Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant reign at Old Trafford.
Cunha scored the opening goal during United’s thrilling 3-2 victory against Liverpool on Saturday. This crucial result guarantees the Red Devils a place in next season’s Champions League with three league fixtures still to play.
The achievement marks a remarkable turnaround under Carrick, who assumed control in January following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. The 44-year-old has guided the team to ten wins in fourteen matches. This impressive record establishes him as the favourite for the permanent managerial role.
Carrick played for United during their final golden period under Ferguson, collecting five Premier League winner’s medals and one Champions League trophy. Cunha feels this history gives Carrick unique authority inside the dressing room.
“I have sat beside him on the bench,” Cunha explained. “His teaching methods are incredible. He possesses that special magic from the Ferguson years. He brings those lessons to us today. He shows us what it meant to be part of that winning culture. Then he produces results like this.”
Despite securing European football, Carrick has warned his squad against complacency. The team requires four additional points to guarantee a third-place finish. This would represent their highest league position since Ferguson retired in 2013. They could also finish within twelve points of the champions.
Cunha emphasised that qualifying for Europe represents only the beginning of United’s recovery. “Playing for this club is a huge honour,” he stated. “The Champions League needs Manchester United, and United needs the Champions League. But we must challenge for trophies too. This qualification is just the first step. We can return much stronger next year.”
The summer transfer window will bring changes to Old Trafford. Midfielder Casemiro has announced his intention to leave, and Carrick confirmed this publicly on Friday. However, Cunha suggested the situation remains unresolved.
“Talking about Casemiro is easy because he is so important,” said Cunha. “He is a wonderful person. Away from football, he has a huge heart. He is kind and helpful. He teaches me so much. We do not know the final details of his contract. Everyone hopes he stays a bit longer. I know it looks difficult, but football surprises you.”
Cunha has justified his £62.5 million transfer fee from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer. His goal against Liverpool was his ninth of the campaign. He has also scored decisive winners against Arsenal and Chelsea earlier this season.
The Brazilian celebrated his latest strike with his trademark surfing routine, which he has now upgraded. “My friends back home kept telling me to add the paddling motion before standing up,” he laughed. “Surfing is my life. Bringing that joy to the pitch shows how happy I am here.”