Arsenal 2-3 Man Utd: What Carrick and Maguire said

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side’s win at Arsenal: “It was a good day. I think we had to invest a lot in this match, a lot. Thanks to the boys, so proud of them. We had to support some attacks, especially earlier and we progressed in the match.

“We had a setback, came back strong, had a setback towards the end, came back strong. So many elements in the game that were good. We’re so fresh whether it’s 10 days or two games, it’s never going to be perfect at this stage, especially against a team like Arsenal, but there were so many positives to take and we’ll continue to add to it in the days and weeks to come.

“The boys were fantastic in terms of commitment, willingness to do it and investment. You can see what it means to them at the end. Really proud of them today, that’s obvious to say, but it’s a difficult place to get to. Especially with the way the game went, we’re sticking with it and the fantastic feeling at the end.”

On the quality of Matheus Cunha’s goal: “To be honest, they both were; Patrick’s (Dorgu) strike was unbelievable and Matheus, came in and as soon as he got up I was going for it and it was a fantastic finish. It was a great moment.”

On how he instilled confidence in this team: “I think about the messages we give them and the way we behave. I have confidence in them and I try to show that. It’s not so much the words, it’s easy for me to say something to the players, or for the boys to talk about a match, but to have the feeling of really taking it in.

“You have to feel that confidence and belief and they definitely have it and we have to keep it.”

As for whether he thinks about work: “Nothing has changed. I’ve been here less than two weeks and I’m desperate to do well, improve the team and finish as high as possible. Having days like this and last week is something to crave and we want to continue to build on that for the weeks to come.”

Defender Harry Maguire spoke to Sky Sports: “It was absolutely huge. We know in the first game, the derby at Old Trafford, you’re always up for them and you know one-off results can come, so we had to confirm that today.

“We talked about it before the game, coming to the championship leaders, who have been excellent this year, I have to say, they ask you a lot of questions, to come here and have the backhand late to go for the winner, it was a magnificent performance.

“Michael (Carrick) has come in, he’s been brilliant with us, he’s brought a new energy, the group is really galvanized. Two tough games, everyone probably thinks we’re coming out with few points but to win both is magnificent.

“We have a much bigger team now, we have the returning guys from Afcon and players like Matheus (Cunha) coming off the bench and I’m sure he’s not very happy sitting on the bench in the last few games. I know how he is, he wants to play, but he was the difference in both games.

“He came on against City and changed the game, and again today he made the difference for us. It just shows the team of players and the strikers who can come in and do that.”

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