Michael Carrick singles out 'incredible' Manchester United players after 'massive' Chelsea win

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·18. April 2026

Michael Carrick singles out 'incredible' Manchester United players after 'massive' Chelsea win

Manchester United had just one fit senior central defender available for selection against Chelsea

Michael Carrick has said Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui were “incredible” for Manchester United against Chelsea.

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Matheus Cunha’s first half goal proved decisive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night as Man United secured a 1-0 win to bolster their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Carrick, though, was full of praise for Man Utd’s makeshift central defensive pairing in helping the visitors keep a rare clean sheet away from home in the Premier League.

"I can't play that one down, that was massive, that was a big win for us,” the Man United head coach told TNT Sports.

“They had some opportunities but to keep a clean sheet and defend like we did, there was a lot of work that had to go into the last day or so in terms of prepping the team with a new back four.

"I thought Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui coming in were incredible, Ayden being such a young age and Noussair not really playing centre back in a back four.

“I have to give the coaching staff a lot of credit on getting the boys ready for that.

“I thought the boys put a magnificent performance in tonight."

Impressive: Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui

Manchester United via Getty Imag

Carrick was forced to reshuffle his back-line due to a combination of suspension and injuries ahead of the game in west London.

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were both banned, while Leny Yoro picked up a knock in training which prevented him from making the trip to the capital.

Maguire will be available for selection as United face Brentford a week on Monday, but Martinez will serve the second of his three-match suspension and Yoro is a big doubt.