The arrival of Michael Carrick as temporary Manchester United boss no doubt brought a needed feel-good factor back to the club after the tenure of Ruben Amorim.
However, very few people would have predicted the immediate impact the former first-team member would have during his first few games in the role at Old Trafford.
The 44-year-old currently boasts a record of seven wins, one draw and just one loss from his first nine games in charge of the Red Devils in the Premier League.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
As a result, the club have endured a rapid rise up the table, with Carrick’s men now sitting in third place and only seven points behind rivals Manchester City.
Numerous players have managed to thrive under the temporary manager’s guidance, which no doubt has enabled the club to now fight for a place in the Champions League next season.
The stats behind Bruno & Casemiro’s success against Villa
During the recent victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes once again managed to catch the eye with his impressive work in the final third.
The Portuguese international registered two assists during the 3-1 triumph, subsequently breaking the record for the most assists in a single league season by a Red Devils player.
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The 31-year-old also managed to create six chances in the process, with the number eight undoubtedly being the shining light within attacking areas.
Fellow midfielder Casemiro once again caught the eye for United yesterday, as the Brazilian international netted his seventh league goal of the 2025/26 campaign.
His superb header from Fernandes’ corner opened the scoring at Old Trafford, but it was his numbers out of possession which caught the eye more than his goal.
He made three ball recoveries and won 100% of the aerial battles he entered - subsequently helping Carrick’s side secure yet another huge victory in England’s top-flight.
The United star who’s now becoming one of the best in the PL
United once again caught the eye during the summer transfer window, after splashing over £200m on new attacking reinforcements to bolster their top-flight standing.
Benjamin Sesko was just one of the players adding to the ranks, subsequently joining for a reported £74m including add-ons from German side RB Leipzig.
Benjamin-Sesko
The Slovenian got off to a slow start in Manchester, but he’s recently managed to impress within the final third, with most of his impact coming off the substitutes bench.
He’s now netted seven league goals in his last nine appearances, even joining Casemiro on the scoresheet during Sunday’s victory over European-chasing Villa.
However, fellow attacker Matheus Cunha is also a player deserving of huge credit in recent weeks, with the Brazilian another talent who’s found a purple patch of form.
Like Sesko, he arrived during the summer window, with the hierarchy forking out a fee in the region of £60m before add-ons for his signature from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
During the same nine-game period as the Slovenian, he’s registered four combined goals and assists, with his latest effort also coming against Unai Emery’s side.
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His performances have led to plaudits from numerous people associated with the club, even being compared to former star Carlos Tevez due to his playstyle.
Cunha is capable of featuring in the ten or as a centre forward, just like Tevez, whilst also having a tenacious and aggressive skillset - as seen against Villa.
Matheus Cunha - stats against Villa
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Passes completed
Goals scored
Passes into final third
Tackles won
Ball recoveries
Aerials won
He managed to register six passes into the final third, subsequently creating two chances for his teammates and helping the side clean yet another important win.
The Brazilian also made four ball recoveries and won 100% of his aerial battles - demonstrating his ability to battle for the ball - just as Tevez did at Old Trafford.
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As a result, he now sits on nine goal contributions in the Premier League, with such a tally vital to the club’s recent upturn in form under temporary boss, Carrick.
He currently ranks in the top 5% for shots on target this season, further reaffirming his place as one of the division’s best attackers in the 2025/26 campaign.
The £60m paid for his signature during the summer window now appears to be an excellent piece of business, with Cunha likely to play a key role in the club’s hunt for Champions League football.
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