1. “He Came With Magic”
Matheus Cunha, who scored the opening goal in the 6th minute against Liverpool, spoke with raw emotion following the final whistle on May 3, 2026.
“When Michael [Carrick] came, he came with magic! [Sir] Alex Ferguson vibes,” Cunha told the Daily Mail. “He talks so much about his team, the conquering team. This feeling comes to us. We focus so hard to reach the objective. This is just the start of a beautiful beginning!”
Cunha’s ninth goal of the season set the tone for a match that was more than just a derby—it was a statement of intent for the new era under INEOS and Director of Football Jason Wilcox.
2. Match Highlights: A Rollercoaster at M16
The 3-2 victory was a vintage Old Trafford encounter:
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The Blitz: Cunha’s early strike was followed by a Benjamin Šeško poacher’s goal in the 14th minute, leaving Liverpool shell-shocked.
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The Scare: Liverpool fought back in the second half through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, leveling the game by the hour mark.
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The Hero: Kobbie Mainoo, fresh from signing a new long-term contract, sealed the victory in the 77th minute with a low drive that sent the Stretford End into overdrive.
3. The Case for the Permanent Job
With 10 wins in his 14 games since replacing Ruben Amorim in January, Carrick has turned a season of despair into a campaign of hope.
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Points Per Game: Carrick has averaged 2.14 points per game, the highest of any United manager in the post-Ferguson era.
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Home Fortress: He is the first manager in club history to win eight of his first nine Premier League home games.
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The “Natural” Choice: Post-match, Carrick admitted the pressure of the job feels “natural” to him—a sentiment echoed by the board, who are reportedly preparing a multi-year offer this week.
