Matheus Cunha has reflected on the positive effect that Michael Carrick has had on the squad after a run of five games unbeaten.
Manchester United have looked hugely impressive since Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager through to the end of the season.
The Reds put together a run of four consecutive victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, before earning a hard-fought draw away at West Ham United.
Although the display against West Ham was arguably their most uneven under Carrick, the team once again demonstrated character and determination, leaving it late to find a superb equaliser from Benjamin Šeško.
That clash marked the final occasion this season in which United will play twice in quick succession. With a brief pause before their upcoming meeting with Everton, Carrick’s side now have valuable time to reset, recover and prepare thoroughly for the challenge ahead.
Matheus Cunha on Carrick’s impact
When Carrick took over in January, Matheus Cunha found himself starting on the bench for the games against Man City and Arsenal, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu being the preferred starter.
Despite this, the Brazilian was extremely effective coming off the bench, assisting against City, before scoring the winner against Arsenal. After an injury to Dorgu, Cunha has since started the last three games.
Speaking to the Premier League’s YouTube channel, the 26-year-old was asked about how Carrick has improved his playing style since replacing Ruben Amorim.
He said, “It’s beautiful.” It’s beautiful what he says to us. He has had so many successful links with the club.
“It’s beautiful how everyone takes little parts from him and tries to be successful like he was [as a player].”
Cunha enjoying life under Carrick
In a struggling Manchester United side early in the season, one of the shining lights of the side was the chemistry between Amad and Bryan Mbeumo on the right flank, with most of the attack going down that side to much success
Having had a slower start to life in Manchester compared to Mbeumo, while also being briefly sidelined for an injury, the Brazilian’s performances have gone slightly under the radar.
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While the stats may not show it, it can’t be understated how impressive some of his performances were at the start of the season, highlighted by his pivotal role in the famous victory over Liverpool at Anfield despite not scoring or assisting.
With United changing from a 3-4-2-1 to a classic 4-2-3-1 under Carrick, there were some who questioned Cunha’s ability to adapt to more of a left midfielder or winger, rather than an attacking midfielder, where he thrived at Wolves.
Despite this, Carrick has found a way for his attackers to thrive, with Cunha often being given the freedom to roam across the pitch, overloading the midfield.
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