JAKARTA - Matheus Cunha believes Michael Carrick deserves to remain Manchester United's manager on a permanent basis for bringing back some of Sir Alex Ferguson's magic to Old Trafford.
The former midfielder was tasked with stabilising the team and guiding Manchester United to Champions League qualification following the controversial departure of Ruben Amorim in January 2026.
It seems like a difficult task, but Carrick has exceeded expectations. He even led the Red Devils to a dramatic 3-2 win against rivals Liverpool on Sunday, May 3, 2026, which ensured their return to the top European football scene with three games left.
Ferguson was actually present at the match. However, he was taken to the hospital before the match started as a precaution after feeling unwell. However, Cunha saw the impact of the great manager during a spirited performance led by Carrick.
When asked if he wanted Carrick to remain manager next season, the Brazilian emphatically agreed.
"Yes, yes, just to be honest, I think we need to say it. I don't think it's in my hands. However, what he has done, he is confident in the team."
"Look, I've sat on the bench with him, but the way he teaches everyone is really amazing. I think he has some kind of magic in the Ferguson era, those kind of things."
"Then he came and brought it to us, taught us how it should be. Yes, being part of everything he does is a pleasure. Of course I think he deserves it (permanent manager)," said Cunha.
Carrick's relationship with Manchester United was key for the former Middlesbrough boss to get the job for the rest of the season.
The club want a manager who knows what makes a team run well to avoid problems in adaptation and give time to Director of Football Jason Wilcox to conduct a thorough search for Amorim's long-term replacement. Carrick has proved that he can be the man Wilcox is looking for.
Seeing Carrick's quality, Cunha said he knew that Manchester United could not be satisfied with just qualifying for the Champions League.
The team must continue to fight to achieve the titles that were achieved abundantly during the time Carrick was still a Ferguson pupil.
"It's one of the biggest privileges I have to play for this club. We know the objective for this season is to be there."
"I think the Champions League without this club is not the same tournament. This club without the Champions League is not the same club."
"Being part of this, being one of them. When we came, I think there was a lot of doubt about how this club would come back. I'm very happy to be part of this," said Cunha.
Meanwhile, unfortunately Manchester United will lose Casemiro, who will not feel playing in the Champions League with them.
The Brazilian midfielder is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season when his contract expires, but Cunha joked that he has not given up trying to persuade him to stay.
"Having this guy in the dressing room is a privilege. We will miss him a lot. In the end we don't know how his contract will continue and of course everyone hopes for a little extension!"
"Of course, of course. I know it's harder than we're talking about, but, yeah, in the end, we never know, right? Let's start," he said.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
