Matheus Cunha is confident Manchester United can build a strong winning streak under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, after a 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City. Cunha links the improved mood at Old Trafford with Carrick’s approach and believes the club now has momentum for a serious push in the Premier League.
The Brazilian views the win against Manchester City as a key moment in the season and in personal terms since joining the club. Cunha highlights the pressure around derby fixtures and feels the performance, as well as the scoreline, showed Manchester United can respond to high expectations in crucial matches.
Manchester United sit fifth in the Premier League table, one point behind Liverpool in fourth place. Despite this position,
the Opta supercomputer currently gives the team only a 2.4% probability of finishing inside the top four. Cunha accepts the challenge but insists Manchester United still aim to secure Champions League qualification.
| Team | League Position | Gap to 4th | Top-four chance (Opta) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 5th | 1 point behind Liverpool | 2.4% |
Cunha underlines that the fixture schedule could help that push, with Manchester United now free from other competitions. The focus is entirely on league matches for the rest of the campaign. Cunha believes this clarity can support a late rise up the Premier League standings and keep Champions League hopes alive.
"Now we have until the end of the season playing only the league, and our goal is to return to the Champions League, Cunha added. It only depends on us, and we will give our best. "
Carrick returned to the dugout last week and guided Manchester United to the 2-0 success against Manchester City in the first match of the new caretaker spell. Carrick’s previous short tenure followed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit in November 2021, when Carrick went unbeaten across three matches in all competitions.
Across both caretaker periods, Carrick’s Manchester United record now stands at four games managed, with three victories and one draw. The latest win stopped a poor sequence for the club. Ruben Amorim finished with two draws, while Darren Fletcher oversaw a draw and an FA Cup third-round defeat against Brighton as interim manager.
Cunha links his trust in the current regime to Carrick’s playing legacy at Old Trafford, where Carrick collected 12 major trophies as a midfielder across 12 years. Cunha views that history as valuable experience inside the dressing room and believes Carrick’s mentality reflects the kind of standards Manchester United support expects.
"We're still getting to know Carrick, Cunha said, as reported in Globoesporte. He's a highly respected name, not only at United, but in the Premier League as well. He's written his history here in the most positive way possible and brings with him a winning mentality worthy of the club. He knows the path to victory. "
Just listen to that Old Trafford roar @Snapdragon x #ShotOnSnapdragon pic.twitter.com/ROOTNcxFzcManchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026
"I think, considering the whole context, it [the derby victory] was the most important victory since I arrived at United. 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. "
Cunha’s words describe a squad that accepts pressure but sees opportunity. The derby success, Carrick’s unbeaten record as caretaker and a clearer schedule combine to shape cautious optimism. Manchester United remain outside the Champions League places for now, yet Cunha believes performances like the City win can narrow that gap.
