Michael Carrick explains why “fantastic” Cunha perfectly epitomises United after win vs. Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick has praised Matheus Cunha as he outlined why the forward perfectly epitomises the team’s resilience.

United beat Arsenal

United extended their dream start under Carrick as they secured back-to-back wins against the Premier League’s top two with an epic 3-2 victory against Arsenal.

The Red Devils weathered a fast start from the hosts, who took the lead in the 29th minute via a Lisandro Martinez own goal.

Carrick’s men responded brilliantly, restoring parity eight minutes later when Bryan Mbeumo punished an Arsenal mistake. United took the lead when Patrick Dorgu unleashed a thunderous strike that smashed the underside of the bar before crashing into the net.

Mikel Merino thought he had salvaged a draw for Arsenal, only for Cunha to net a stunner with three minutes left on the clock, restoring United’s advantage.

After the final whistle, Carrick spoke to the press and shared his verdict on the game.

Carrick’s verdict

“It was a tough game for us today. I think we knew that it was never going to be the perfect kind of game for us. We’ve had less than two weeks. Coming here, we were going to have to draw on so many things to get a performance to then be able to get a result.”

“It was up and down at times. There was some really good things in the game for us, things we can work on. But the way the boys were…the belief and the confidence, the kind of spirit. The way it all came together really made me proud today.”

He continued, “I just think we understood the floor of the game. At times we were going to feel a little bit up against it and digging in. We wanted to try and take control as well. You’re away from home in these big games- you’ve got to take an element of control and calm things down a little bit.”

“I thought we did enough in the game to then grow into the game. The goals were fantastic goals. Some of the football was good and we looked dangerous at certain times. Other times you have to defend. It was just a performance with a little bit of everything really.”

On beating Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games, Carrick explained, “I understand they were two tough games to start with, but we’ve got tough games coming up.”

“Best ones to win. In terms of getting that feeling, emotion, confidence and that lift. The boys have been fantastic. As I said, less than two weeks together to put things in place and do the things we’ve asked. There are still layers we want to get to and improve but in terms of what it took to win these two games, they’ve done great.

Asked about the two goals, Carrick said, “I can’t take credit for those two finishes. The move from Pat [Dorgu] was a really good and the connection through the pitch. But to finish the way he did was some finish and you get them where it takes your breath away a little bit and it catches you out.”

“It was a good start to the second half and then Matheus comes on – had a big impact like he did last week. Created a goal last week and I just fancied it [the ball] would come out of his feet. I really fancied him to score. Again, fantastic finish. It kind of epitomises what we’ve been like as a group this week – Matheus has not started both games but he’s had a real big impact. He’s been disappointed not to start but he’s used it in a really good way.”

“Two huge moments and he totally deserves the winning goal for how he’s applied himself for a week. I’m delighted for him.”

When asked if the two wins represented statement victories, Carrick downplayed the idea. He emphasised that the greater importance lies in how they boost confidence within the squad.

The former England international told reporters that he is not getting carried away as there are bigger challenges ahead.

He added, “There’s a lot of emotion, a lot of energy and a lot of confidence that you can take from that, but be humble and understand how we’ve got these results moving forward.”

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Carrick stressed that United’s priority is to take it game by game, insisting it is counterproductive to look too far ahead.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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