After an iconic win at the Emirates for Manchester United, Michael Carrick hailed super sub Matheus Cunha as the Brazilian inspired the win with a bit of magic.
Manchester United provided yet another blockbuster showing against Arsenal as they came away with a victory in a 3-2 thriller.
A fantastic performance and display of character from the players as they fought right up to the final whistle, showing a reluctance to leave London without three points.
Carrick also showed his character with his substitutions, bringing on Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to continue applying pressure to Arsenal’s defence, rather than sitting back and defending their 2-1 lead.
The Red Devils became the first team to score three goals against Arsenal since Luton Town in 2023. Arsenal had also won the last 24 games in which they scored first, a record that was broken tonight by Michael Carrick’s Reds.
Carrick’s praise for Cunha
In his post-match interview, the Man United boss explained what he loved most about Matheus Cunha’s critical cameo.
“Matheus coming on and having a big impact again, like he did last week,” Carrick said. “Creating a goal last week. I really fancied him to score. Again, fantastic finish. Kind of epitomises probably what, as a group, what we’ve been like this week.
“Matheus has not started both games, but he’s had a real big impact and he’s been disappointed not to start, but he’s used it in a really good way.
“Two huge moments and he totally deserves that winning goal for that, how he’s applied himself all week and I’m absolutely delighted for him.”
Man United’s flying forward line
It is almost unanimously agreed that Man United’s biggest issue last season was a severe lack of goals scored in the league. Last season, they managed to score just 44 goals in the league, which is only three more than their goal tally already this season, in only 23 matches.
Man United are the third top scorers this season, with the summer signings of Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo becoming regulars on the score sheet, and Sesko scoring three in his last two starts. Bruno Fernandes, also in his usual prolific form, has made 14 goal contributions so far to add to the firepower.
United, for the first time in a long time, have found themselves in a position where they have true squad depth, with the likes of Patrick Dorgu and Mason Mount also adding to the goals, and even future stars such as Shea Lacey waiting in the wings to shine.
Read more: Michael Carrick explains Manchester United tactical tweaks despite same XI vs Arsenal
In general, football fans demand at least one of two things: entertaining football and success. So far, after five games in charge across two terms, Carrick’s United have won four and drawn one, and scored 11 goals, providing fans with the best of both worlds.
The situation at United has turned around completely recently, going from dismal displays against relegation fighters Wolves, Leeds and Burnley, to conquering the title challengers, making the return to the Champions League look more promising than ever before.
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