Matheus Cunha believes Michael Carrick deserves to remain as Manchester United head coach after bringing back some of Sir Alex Ferguson's magic to Old Trafford. The interim manager, a popular former midfielder, was tasked with steadying the ship and securing Champions League qualification following Ruben Amorim's acrimonious exit in January.
Carrick has exceeded expectations, with Sunday's thrilling 3-2 victory against rivals Liverpool wrapping up a return to Europe's top table with three games to spare. Ferguson was absent after being taken to hospital as a precaution, but Cunha saw his influence in the spirited display overseen by one of his former players.
Asked if Carrick should stay, the opening goalscorer said: "Yeah, honestly, I think if we need to say it. I don't think it's in my hands. But what he did, he's full of confidence in the group. How he teaches everyone is amazing. I think he has the magic from the Ferguson times, and he brings that to us. It's a pleasure to be part of everything he did, and of course I think he deserves it."
Carrick's United links were key to his appointment for the remainder of the campaign. The club wanted a manager who understood the club's ethos to avoid adaptation issues, allowing director of football Jason Wilcox time to search for a long-term replacement. Carrick has proven he could be that man, with matchwinner Kobbie Mainoo saying players would die for the head coach after securing Champions League football.
Cunha added: "It's one of the biggest privileges to play at this club. Champions League without this club is not the same competition, and this club without Champions League is not the same club. I'm so happy to be part of this."
However, Cunha knows United cannot rest on their laurels and must fight for titles. Casemiro will leave when his contract expires this summer, but Cunha joked he has not given up on persuading him to stay. "To have this guy in the dressing room is a privilege. We will miss him so much. We don't know how it is with his contract, but everyone hopes there's a little bit more!" he said with a smile.
