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.