Michael Carrick rejected the idea that Manchester United’s 3-2 Champions League win over Roma lifted a weight off his shoulders, insisting pride in his players outweighed every other emotion.
United stormed back from behind at Old Trafford to end a long winless run. Matheus Cunha struck twice in a frantic late spell before collecting a red card, while academy graduate Shea Lacey stepped off the bench to set up the decisive goals.
Speaking after the match, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Wednesday, Carrick dismissed any talk of relief. He said he felt happy for his squad because he knows how much they care and how much they give.
Watching the group celebrate, he said, showed him the feeling United can create when they get things right.
Lacey earned the warmest praise. The youngster arrived with United trailing and transformed the mood almost instantly. Carrick highlighted his ability, spotted a glint in his eye and a mischievous streak in his play, and said he badly wanted to impress.
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The manager even enjoyed watching Lacey defend at right back. “He gave everyone a lift coming on the pitch,” Carrick said, adding that he was delighted for the teenager’s contribution.
Cunha’s night proved more complicated. The forward attacked relentlessly, dragged United back into the contest and then saw red.
Carrick admitted disappointment with the way the evening ended for him, but he refused to criticise the intensity behind it.
He argued that the red card showed how deeply Cunha cares and how far he will push himself when he plays in that mindset. That fierce edge, Carrick said, is exactly why United want him.
Cunha returned the compliment and aimed his own praise at Lacey. He called the youngster’s pass unbelievable and said it feels wonderful when an academy player arrives and shapes a game so decisively. When he saw the ball travelling towards him, Cunha admitted, he could hardly believe the comeback was happening.
The mutual praise captured the spirit of a night that mattered to United beyond the scoreline. An academy product delivered when his team needed him, a passionate forward dragged his side level and then ahead, and a manager chose to celebrate his players rather than his own situation.
The result hands United a much-needed boost in the Champions League.
