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Michael Carrick said Matheus Cunha’s reaction to starting on the bench against Manchester City encouraged him, after the forward helped Manchester United seal a 2-0 derby win as a substitute. Carrick also highlighted the wider response from non-starters, describing the backing from the stands and changing room as vital. Cunha now offers an option to start against Arsenal on Sunday.
Carrick hails Cunha’s bench response after derby win as Arsenal awaits
Michael Carrick said he was buoyed by Matheus Cunha’s professionalism after the forward made a decisive contribution off the bench in Manchester United’s 2-0 derby win over Manchester City last weekend. Cunha, signed in the summer from Wolverhampton Wanderers, entered in the 71st minute for opening goalscorer Bryan Mbeumo and impressed with his overall impact on the match.
Cunha’s biggest moment came in the build-up to United’s second goal. He drove forward and delivered a cross from the right that led to Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s clincher. Carrick added that Cunha could have had another assist late on, but Mason Mount’s effort was not allowed to stand, denying the substitute a second key contribution on the day.
Carrick said the response from those who did not start was just as important as what happened on the pitch. He told club media in an exclusive pre-Arsenal interview that he has spoken to the group about making a difference whether playing, watching from the sidelines or contributing from the changing room, and he was encouraged by the support he witnessed around the ground.
“It’s big,” Carrick said, when asked about Cunha’s reaction to being left out of the starting lineup. Carrick said he understood the disappointment for players who did not start, but stressed that seeing the connection from across the squad, including players supporting and celebrating from the Directors’ Box, was “huge” moving forward.
Carrick said Cunha “made a big impact” after coming on, pointing not only to the goal involvement but also the way he approached his cameo. Cunha is now an option to start from the outset against Arsenal, with Sunday’s match scheduled for a 16:30 GMT kick-off.
