The improvement in mood at Manchester United since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim is undeniable. The English coach’s arrival in early January has turned the tide for the Red Devils.
Amorim’s reign will be remembered as one of the club’s lowest points in Premier League history. The Portuguese tactician oversaw the Reds’ worst-ever campaign.
Matheus Cunha joined United mid-way through Amorim’s 14 months in charge. The Brazilian took his time finding his feet at Old Trafford, but he has been impressive under Carrick.
‘The negative’ – Cunha lifts the lid on Amorim troubles
Cunha has bagged six goals and two assists in 25 games across competitions. The 26-year-old arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer after a £62.5m release clause was triggered.
Cunha has given his thoughts on Amorim’s ill-fated reign and explained the problems that arose. He told DAZN Portugal:
“I think from the success we’re having, many new players came because of him, so I think he has a big part in the success we’re having now. The pressure to deliver results in that setup got so great that I think we forgot how simple the overall context was and it focused too much on the negative.”
Amorim refused to change his system despite his side enduring dismal form for large parts of his tenure. He finally catered to the noise when he fielded a back-four in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United in December.
The Portuguese seemed to grow disillusioned with the club’s structure and felt he wasn’t allowed to manage his players how he saw fit. He alluded to this in his final press conference:
“I just want to say I came here to be the manager, not to be the coach. In every department – the scouting department, the sporting director – [they] need to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on.”
Amorim’s comments came after a 1-1 draw away to Leeds United. He was dismissed the following day and Carrick replaced him as caretaker coach until the end of the season.
Cunha on Carrick instilling ‘togetherness’
It’s fair to say that Cunha has been let off the leash under Carrick. He scored a stunning winner in a 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates in January.
The former Atletico Madrid man is playing with a smile on his face and enjoying his football. The positivity around Carrington is playing an important role in the Reds’ push for Champions League qualification.
Cunha spoke after the victory against the league-leading Gunners about Carrick’s approach. He told BBC Match of the Day:
“He knows the feeling, he played here so many years. He knows the feeling for Manchester; he knows the feeling for United. He knows how the fans want to feel. He tried to show us every single moment, he tried to talk us to understand in moments and say, ‘everyone is against us’, so I think we feel more together.”
Carrick’s contract expires at the end of the season, but there is a growing feeling that he’ll be offered the job permanently. His side has remained unbeaten since he took over, winning four of five games.
The English coach spent 12 years at the Theatre of Dreams as a player in the Sir Alex Ferguson era. He knows what it means to play for the club and it’s shown through his players’ performances.
