Matheus Cunha credited interim Manchester United boss Michael Carrick with the "magic" to reconnect the club with its successful Sir Alex Ferguson era after scoring the opening goal in a 3-2 victory over Liverpool on Monday [1]. The win secured Champions League qualification for Manchester United with three games remaining in the season [1].
Carrick has won 10 of his 14 matches since taking charge following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January [1]. Cunha said, "How he teaches everyone is amazing. He has the magic with these Ferguson times. Then he comes and brings it to us, teaches us how it was, to be part of everything. Then he did this." He called Carrick "an amazing guy... so lovely and so friendly," praising both his coaching and character [1].
Carrick was a player under Ferguson during a period when United captured five Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy [1]. The team still needs four points to guarantee a top-three finish in the Premier League this season [1]. Cunha emphasized the importance of Champions League football to the club, saying, "The Champions League without this club is not the same competition, and this club without Champions League is not same club."
But Cunha added that qualifying for Europe is only the first step, saying, "We need to fight for the titles. This is the first one [step]. We could come much stronger for next season." Cunha also noted uncertainty over midfielder Casemiro's contract situation as the club prepares for the summer [1].
On Friday, Carrick told the media that Casemiro is leaving, confirming ongoing speculation about the midfielder's future [1]. Manchester United will aim to build on their Champions League qualification as the Premier League season reaches its final rounds.
