LIVE
...

Follow us on

Opinion

Matheus Cunha’s Michael Carrick comparison only reinforces why Ineos must snub Andoni Iraola for Man Utd role

Add as preferred source on Google

Matheus Cunha has now sent the clearest indication to Ineos of why Michael Carrick must now become the next Manchester United manager ahead of Andoni Iraola.

Michael Carrick has only three Premier League matches left in his interim head coach reign, but the 44-year-old Manchester United legend has pulled off one major feat.

The Red Devils interim boss has ensured that the Premier League club will return to the Champions League next season after Man Utd’s dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool.

Matheus Cunha, who opened the scoring for United against Liverpool, lavished the ultimate praise on Carrick amid the Red Devils’ links with Andoni Iraola.

READ MORE: Gary Neville makes new Luke Shaw prediction for 2026/27 season after Man Utd star’s impact vs Liverpool

Andoni Iraola with Michael Carrick after the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium in 2026 in Bournemouth, England.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

It’s OFFICIAL – Man Utd will be in the Champions League in 2026/27 – Give us your reaction!

Getty Images

Matheus Cunha’s comparison between Michael Carrick and Sir Alex Ferguson speaks volumes about Man Utd’s mindset

Matheus Cunha didn’t hesitate to explain the vibe at Manchester United right now under Michael Carrick by bringing up the name of ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 26-year-old Brazilian forward was not saying that Carrick is a direct comparison to Sir Alex Ferguson, but more so for what he represents at Man Utd in this period.

Cunha’s powerful assessment of Carrick and former United manager Ferguson showed the massive culture shift in the post-Ruben Amorim era of the club.

“We’re learning so much, of course,” he said after the Liverpool match, as per The Daily Mail.

“When Michael [Carrick] came, he came with magic! [Sir] Alex Ferguson vibes.

“He talks so much about his team, the conquering team. This feeling comes to us. We feel so happy with the information; we focus so hard to reach the objective.

“At the end of the day, this is just the start of the journey, it’s the beginning – a beautiful beginning!”

READ MORE: Micah Richards rates ‘resilient’ Kobbie Mainoo’s Man Utd performance on 10-point scale against Liverpool

Michael Carrick has now beaten Liverpool, City, Arsenal, Villa, and Chelsea – Do you want him to be the permanent manager?

What did he get right (and wrong) vs Liverpool?

Getty Images

Andoni Iraola would only upset the balance that Ineos now have in place under Michael Carrick

United fans are enjoying a drama-free period at the Red Devils and can look forward to Champions League football now for the 2026-27 campaign at Old Trafford.

However, the aforementioned experience would feel very different if Andoni Iraola were appointed the next permanent Man Utd manager ahead of Carrick now.

Carrick has laid the foundation for a project that has the United first-team players throwing their full backing behind him after Ruben Amorim’s January sacking.

The ex-Man Utd and England midfielder feels like the type of manager that the Red Devils have been searching for since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was axed from the club.

Iraola might have more experience under his belt, but the Bournemouth manager now feels like a risky appointment and experiment after Carrick’s success.

Cunha’s comments around Carrick should not be dismissed and are only a sign to Ineos of what United have going for them and the foundation that can be built upon.