The Brazilian forward believes the win over Manchester City can spark a late-season revival under new interim coach Michael Carrick
Matheus Cunha believes Manchester United have taken an important first step toward rebuilding confidence after Michael Carrick opened his interim reign with a 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City.
Carrick was placed in charge until the end of the season following the dismissal of Rúben Amorim in early January, bringing an abrupt end to a 14-month spell that never fully convinced.
Thrust straight into a high-pressure Manchester derby, Carrick oversaw a performance that immediately lifted spirits around Old Trafford.
For Cunha, who joined Manchester United last summer from Wolves, the early impression of Carrick has been encouraging, even though the squad is only just beginning to adapt to his approach.
“We’re still getting to know [Michael] Carrick,” Cunha told Globoesporte.
“He’s a highly respected name, not only at United, but in the Premier League as well.”
As caretaker in 2021:
▪️ 3-2 win vs. Arteta’s Arsenal
▪️ 1-1 draw vs. Tuchel’s Chelsea
▪️ 2-0 win vs. Emery’s VillarrealAs interim coach in 2026:
▪️ 2-0 win vs. Guardiola’s CityBig results for Manchester United under Michael Carrick 😍 pic.twitter.com/LhZFM7Ec5Y
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 17, 2026
A derby win that felt bigger than three points
Carrick said he sensed a hunger within the squad that could either drive them forward or overwhelm them if left unchecked. His task, he explained, was to help the players channel that emotion in the right way.
“It is as close as we could have hoped for coming into the game. Change is not easy. Then to perform off the back of it,” Carrick told Sky Sports.
“I had a real sense in the last few days how desperate the players were to give that feeling of success to the fans. If anything, I was concerned that feeling would go over the top because they are so keen to do well. But they managed the emotional side of the game unbelievably well.
“We spoke and said the boys were in a good place. Emotionally, where they were. I was happy with that leading into the game. You never really know how a game will go. The boys were fantastic. It was pretty good.”
Cunha made his impact from the bench, providing the assist for Patrick Dorgu’s second goal and helping to seal the result. For the Brazil international, the context of the victory made it especially meaningful.
“I think, considering the whole context, it was the most important victory since I arrived at United,” Cunha added.
“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.
“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.”