“Beginning of a new cycle”: United star backs new arrival to ensure CL qualification

Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha has spoken about Michael Carrick’s arrival as caretaker boss until the end of the season. United career to date The Brazilian has scored four goals and provided two assists since his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer. His most recent goal was the equaliser against Leeds United at the start of the month, which turned out to be Ruben Amorim’s last match in charge. Cunha was left on the bench against Manchester City in Carrick’s first match as boss. Nonetheless, he was in fine form when he came off the bench and provided the assist for Patrick Dorgu to score United’s second goal of the match. He also set up Mason Mount, who bundled in a third in added time, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside. Comments on Carrick In an interview with globo.com, Cunha praised his new boss, claiming, “we’re still getting to know Carrick. He’s a highly respected name, not only at United, but in the Premier League as well. He’s written his history here in the most positive way possible and brings with him a winning mentality worthy of the club. He knows the path to victory.” The 26-year-old also highlighted the side’s objectives for the end of the season, asserting, “now we have until the end of the season playing only the league and our goal is to return to the Champions League. It only depends on us and we will give our best.” Importance of City victory Reflecting on the highly impressive display versus City, he stated, “I think, considering the whole context, it was the most important victory since I arrived at United. We know the weight of the match and the quality of the opponent. It’s one of the toughest games in England. But when you go onto the pitch representing a club the size of Manchester United, you always have to give your best, especially on days like these.” Finally, he stated that he was happy to play his part in the victory and revealed that perhaps it is the start of a new beginning for the club. He added, “the demands are high, and we have to live up to them. I’m happy to have helped with an assist, but even happier with the three points. May this be the beginning of a new cycle for our team.” Cunha and United will hope to follow up their impressive performance with a daunting trip to league leaders Arsenal on Sunday. Matheus Cunha stats vs Man City StatValue Goals0 Assists1 Expected assists (xA)0.17 Total shots0 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Offsides1 Touches22 Unsuccessful touches2 Dribbles (successful)1 (1) Possession lost5 Big chances created1 Key passes1 Crosses (accurate)1 (1) Accurate passes10/12 (83%) Passes in opposition half (acc.)8/9 (89%) Passes in own half (acc.)2/3 (67%) Long balls (accurate)1/1 (100%) Defensive contributions3 Tackles (won)3 (1) Interceptions0 Clearances0 Blocked shots0 Recoveries1 Ground duels (won)5 (4) Aerial duels (won)1 (0) Dribbled past0 Source: Sofascore Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.