LONDON: Michael Carrick urged Manchester United to continue their positive momentum after a remarkable start to his caretaker tenure, with Matheus Cunha’s brace securing a shock 3-2 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Carrick was appointed until the end of the season following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on January 5.

The former United midfielder was quick to jump at the chance to return to Old Trafford after he was sacked by English second division club Middlesbrough in June.

United appointed an interim manager to allow the board to conduct a thorough search for Amorim’s permanent replacement.

But the club’s co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, and his team of advisors may have found the right answer with the appointment of Carrick.

He managed to inject new spirit into the team with United appearing more energetic than the lackluster performance under Amorim, including a 2-0 win over Manchester City in his first match before jeopardizing Arsenal’s title mission in north London.

United have now climbed to fourth in the league and Carrick praised his players for responding positively to his tactical approach.

“The players have shown a very positive attitude to accept and do what is asked of them. I believe in them and try to convey that confidence,” said Carrick.

“It’s not just words. It’s easy to talk, but what’s important is the feeling and confidence to fully execute.”

“You have to really feel that confidence and they already have it. We have to maintain it.”

Carrick also ditched Amorim’s favoured three-man defence, a change that gave United a better balance.

The 44-year-old manager’s decision to give Patrick Dorgu a more attacking role also paid off, with the player scoring against City and Arsenal.

“I think we understand the flow of the game. There are times when we need to defend and work hard, but at the same time we want to dominate the game,” said Carrick.

“The goals scored were of very high quality, our play was also good and we looked dangerous at certain times. It was a complete performance.

“I’ve only been here for less than two weeks and I really want to improve the team and finish the season as well as possible,” he said.

LONDON: Chelsea revived their chances of finishing the Champions League in the last eight after recording a narrow 1-0 victory over Pafos in the league phase match, early this morning.

The only goal of the match was scored by Moises Caicedo in the 78th minute when the Ecuadorian midfielder headed in Pedro Neto’s corner kick.

The result saw Chelsea move up to eighth place overall on goal difference with one match remaining, but a more challenging task awaits them when they are scheduled to travel to Naples to face Napoli under former manager Antonio Conte next week.

In the first Champions League match under new manager Liam Rosenior, Chelsea dominated over 70 percent of the ball possession but faced difficulty penetrating the Cypriot team’s strong defense.

Visiting goalkeeper Jay Gorter emerged as a key figure with several brilliant saves, including denying three dangerous attempts by Caicedo before the winning goal was scored.

Chelsea, the 2012 and 2021 European champions, are now in a group of eight teams with 13 points each, making goal difference a critical factor heading into the final match.

Pafos, meanwhile, dropped to 30th place with six points, despite almost surprising the hosts in the first half when Jaja’s shot, which was hit by Chelsea captain Reece James, simply rattled the goalpost.

LONDON: Roy Keane has criticised Manchester United for appointing Jonny Evans as first-team coach.

Evans returned to United last week after Ruben Amorim was sacked.

It comes just 30 days after the 38-year-old former defender ended his role as head of loans and player development.

Upon arriving at Old Trafford, Evans took on a new role as first-team coach to assist then-caretaker manager Darren Fletcher.

However, after the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager, Evans decided to stay on.

While his new position is likely to be temporary as Carrick is only in charge until the end of the season, United legend Keane believes Evans is less qualified to hold the position.

In an interview with Stick to Football’s audio broadcast , the former Ireland captain expressed his disappointment with the club’s decision.

“Jonny Evans left United four or five weeks ago as a loan manager and then Fletch gave him the job, strangely enough and there were two games.

“Fletch left and Carrick gave him the job. Great, right?

“We should all go to Barbados for a week… If we talk about hiring coaching staff, we praise one and we let go of two – Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans.

“What has Jonny done to become Manchester United’s first team coach?

“He left his position four weeks ago as a loan manager and ironically returned to work with the first team.

“That’s a big step, isn’t it?”

Keane’s anger came after Gary Neville said he was satisfied with the appointment of Steve Holland as Carrick’s assistant coach.

The United legend continued: “I wish we could sit here and you say he brought in three staff and you list them all as great.”

He then insisted to Neville: “You say you don’t know anything about Jonny Evans coaching… because he’s never coached! That’s what I mean!”

“But he comes to United and you say, ‘oh it’s okay because we have Stevie Holland,’ the new teacher!”

Fletcher failed to pick up crucial Premier League points in his first match as interim manager last week.

United drew 2-2 with Burnley at Turf Moor, before being knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup after losing 1-2 to Brighton last weekend.

DERBY (United Kingdom): Leeds came back brilliantly in the second half to beat Derby County 3-1, thus confirming their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Premier League side looked set to be relegated after falling 0-1 behind at half-time after Chilean international striker Ben Brereton Diaz scored Derby’s opening goal with a powerful shot into the corner of the net.

Joel Piroe had previously had a chance to equalise, but his penalty kick was saved by Derby goalkeeper Jacob Zetterstrom, leaving Leeds in a depressed state.

However, Piroe made up for the disappointment when he played a key role in his team’s revival.

Jaka Bijol made a pass into the penalty box followed by a neat move from Piroe before Willy Gnonto fired a powerful shot to equalize the score in the 55th minute.

Four minutes later, Piroe’s low shot was saved by Zetterstrom, but Ao Tanaka quickly grabbed the rebound to put Leeds ahead.

Leeds secured their victory in injury time when James Justin completed a quick counterattack for the third goal.

MANCHESTER, England: Bruno Fernandes has revealed where he wants to play if he leaves Manchester United after sparking controversy by claiming the club wanted to sell him to Saudi Arabia this summer.

The 31-year-old midfielder said some club officials did not want to keep him and accused United of not having the “courage” to sell him, something that left him “deeply hurt”.

Part of the interview with Portuguese media that aired yesterday saw Fernandes express his desire to play in Spain or Italy, if he leaves Old Trafford.

Fernandes said: “I want to stay at Manchester United as long as I feel valued.

“I want to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy. I have a lot of connections with Italy… my daughter was born there.”

Fernandes began his career in Italy, playing for Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria before returning to Portugal.

“I’ve thought about returning to Portugal and the first choice is Sporting. To be happy, like I was at Sporting. But I don’t want to ruin the image I’ve left behind.

“But I don’t want to force myself there, I want to add value. I even try to play in the district league, even at an older age.”

“Playing in the county league for love, it feels different. I have friends there.”

Fernandes left Sporting Lisbon to join United in a deal worth up to £68 million in January 2020.

United sources insist they do not want to sell Fernandes because he is central to the club’s long-term plans.

But the possibility of a midfield reshuffle – with Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo leaving the club – is not impossible.

Although Fernandes has mentioned Spain, Italy and a possible return to Portugal, Bundesliga side Bayern Munich have also been linked with the player recently.

Speculation over Fernandes’ future is currently running high with interest from Saudi Arabia expected to return in January.