Matheus Cunha was the Man Utd match-winner as he scored a stunning late goal in the 3-2 win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United celebrates during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium
Matheus Cunha celebrates his dramatic winner for Manchester United against Arsenal(Image: )
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Michael Carrick praised the way Matheus Cunha channelled his disappointment at not starting either of Manchester United's wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, after coming off the bench to have a major impact in both matches.
Cunha got an assist at Old Trafford when he created Patrick Dorgu's goal but was the hero of the hour at the Emirates, firing in a stunning winning goal from 25 yards just moments after Mikel Merino had equalised for Arsenal.
That capped off a madcap game in North London, with United coming from behind to lead 2-1 after goals from Bryan Mbeumo and a thunderbolt from Dorgu, but Carrick felt Cunha's reaction to being dropped summed up the spirit on show in the first two weeks of his spell in charge.
"Matheus coming on and having a big impact again, like he did last week," Carrick said. "Creating a goal last week. I really fancied him to score. Again, fantastic finish. Kind of epitomises probably what, as a group, what the what we've been like this week. Matheus has not started both games, but he's had a real big impact and he's been disappointed not to start, but he's used it in a really good way.
"Two huge moments and he totally deserves that winning goal for that, how he's applied himself all week and I'm absolutely delighted for him."
Dorgu's 20-yard volley had given United the lead and although it was a stunning finish, Carrick was pleased with the quality of the move leading to the goal and hailed the impact of the Dane in his first two games in charge.
"The move for Pat was a really good move, and the connection through the pitch, but to finish it the way he did was some finish," he said.
"Pat's been a big player for us over the last couple of games. I think in so many ways, attacking wise, obviously he scored two goals, but I think in terms of the threat and his athleticism and his quality coming in as well, and connections. I think the defensively he's been immense as well, down the side with Luke and doubling up against two teams that ask a lot of questions down the side
"It's a big, big job for him and I'm delighted for him because the two goals he scored, very different goals, but you get that because he's put so much into the performances. It's nice to see him smiling and happy."
Dorgu came off towards the end after clutching the back of his leg but Carrick is hopeful it was just a bout of cramp.
"Hopefully a little bit of cramp, hopefully it's nothing worse, but he ended up coming up like that and just shows what he's put in, really, to the performance," he said. "At this stage it's hard to tell, so we'll just have to wait and see, but yeah, for sure we're hoping that it's not too bad."