Michael Carrick has heaped praise on Benjamin Sesko ahead of Manchester United vs Crystal Palace, but he had even kinder words for another Red Devils star.
This Sunday sees Manchester United look for a sixth win in seven under Michael Carrick, with Crystal Palace due to come to Old Trafford for a 2 pm kick-off.
United come into this on the back of beating Everton 1-0 away from home, a score which has aged well after they beat Newcastle on Saturday.
In this win, Benjamin Sesko scored the winner as he utilised his top speed. But it is another player that Carrick now says sums up how he has improved the Red Devils.
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Bryan Mbeumo smiling against Everton
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James Garner is challenged by Matheus Cunha during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026 in Liverpool, England.
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Michael Carrick picks out Matheus Cunha’s moment as biggest improvement
Matheus Cunha was excellent against Everton, from his long-ball to set up the goal to his defensive work-rate and antics against James Garner.
It is this quality that Carrick has now praised.
Writing in the match-day programme to face Palace, Carrick expressed his delight at Cunha’s role against Everton.
“Ben’s goal was brilliantly taken. It’s been great to see him get the rewards he deserves for his work ethic and dedication”, he began before moving on to Cunha.
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“I thought Matheus’ role in the goal summed up a lot of what is good about the group right now: great attitude, great quality. Our willingness to fight and sacrifice for each other, backed by another superb away following, ensured we won the game.”
Cunha’s antics helped United get over the line against the Toffees, and it’s excellent that his performance hasn’t gone under the radar.
Interestingly, Oliver Glasner also picked out Cunha’s outing as the most impressive and evidence of United’s improvements under the current head coach.
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Cunha has gone from Carrick’s odd man out to key player for Manchester United
When Carrick took charge, Cunha was the odd man out in attack for the first two games, as the Brazilian didn’t start either outing, as Patrick Dorgu was instead favoured on the left.
Even after Dorgu was ruled out through injury, Cunha was still the odd one out, always being the first player subbed off, even when he was playing better than Amad, for example
However, against Everton, Carrick broke his Cunha rule as the Brazilian stayed on with his intangible abilities off the ball, making him a key player in a game situation where the pressure was on.
Cunha is now probably one of the first names on Carrick’s teamsheet, signifying his improvements and that he has made himself undeniable for United.
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