Chelsea v Man United: Michael Carrick press conference
Chelsea v Man United: Michael Carrick press conference
Matheus Cunha’s first half goal proved decisive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night as Man United secured a 1-0 win to bolster their hopes of Champions League qualification.
Carrick, though, was full of praise for Man Utd’s makeshift central defensive pairing in helping the visitors keep a rare clean sheet away from home in the Premier League.
"I can't play that one down, that was massive, that was a big win for us,” the Man United head coach told TNT Sports.
“They had some opportunities but to keep a clean sheet and defend like we did, there was a lot of work that had to go into the last day or so in terms of prepping the team with a new back four.
"I thought Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui coming in were incredible, Ayden being such a young age and Noussair not really playing centre back in a back four.
“I have to give the coaching staff a lot of credit on getting the boys ready for that.
“I thought the boys put a magnificent performance in tonight."
Impressive: Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui
Carrick was forced to reshuffle his back-line due to a combination of suspension and injuries ahead of the game in west London.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were both banned, while Leny Yoro picked up a knock in training which prevented him from making the trip to the capital.
Maguire will be available for selection as United face Brentford a week on Monday, but Martinez will serve the second of his three-match suspension and Yoro is a big doubt.