Carrick's Post-Match Interview Abruptly Halted for Ratcliffe Meeting
Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick experienced an unusual interruption following his side's dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday. The former England midfielder was summoned mid-interview to speak with club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, creating a memorable moment after a thrilling Premier League encounter.
Late Cunha Stunner Secures Vital Three Points
Matheus Cunha emerged as the hero for the Red Devils, scoring a spectacular winning goal just three minutes from full-time to complete a remarkable comeback. The victory at the Emirates Stadium significantly dented Arsenal's title aspirations while boosting United's own Champions League qualification hopes.
The match followed a dramatic pattern with Arsenal taking an early lead through a Lisandro Martinez own goal before Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on a defensive error to equalise before half-time. Patrick Dorgu then put United ahead, only for Mikel Merino to seemingly salvage a point for the Gunners before Cunha's late intervention.
Broadcaster Reveals Unusual Tunnel Encounter
Former Premier League striker turned broadcaster Jan Age Fjortoft provided intriguing details about the unusual circumstances surrounding Carrick's post-match media duties. Taking to social media platform X, Fjortoft explained how he was preparing to interview Carrick when a United representative intervened.
"Was standing at my position waiting for our Michael Carrick interview today," Fjortoft wrote. "Just as I was ready to ask the first question, a representative from Manchester United stopped my preparations and said: 'Michael, Sir Jim wants to see!' So out he went, having a chat with him in the tunnel."
Carrick's Diplomatic Response to Ratcliffe Meeting
When eventually completing his media obligations, Carrick offered a characteristically measured response when questioned about his conversation with Ratcliffe. Speaking to Viaplay, the interim manager revealed little about their discussion while acknowledging the positive atmosphere surrounding the club.
"No, not much as you would expect, I think," Carrick responded when asked about the tunnel meeting. "There's a lot of happy bodies around the camp today and he's delighted as well. So it was nice to see him."
The United boss found himself in good spirits when former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel jokingly asked if he had requested a permanent office during the conversation. "No, not yet, Peter," Carrick laughed in response. "I think it is nice when you can have that feeling with a big win like this, you know, coming away from home."
Perfect Start Raises Managerial Questions
Carrick has now secured victories in both of his first two matches in temporary charge, prompting inevitable speculation about his long-term future at Old Trafford. However, United legend Roy Keane remains unconvinced about his former teammate's permanent credentials despite the impressive start.
"The job? No, you're being silly now," Keane responded when questioned about Carrick's suitability for the permanent role. "You serious? He's had two great performances, but anybody can win two games. It's what he does at the end of the season."
The Irishman added: "Even if they do get into fourth, I still wouldn't be convinced he's the man for the job. Absolutely not, I still think they need a bigger and better manager, but he's got the opportunity, what a chance for him and, you know what, he's taken it, so, fair play to him."
United's Champions League Prospects Strengthen
The dramatic victory moves Manchester United into fourth position in the Premier League table, significantly enhancing their prospects of securing Champions League football next season. Carrick acknowledged the importance of the result while maintaining focus on future challenges.
"Last week was good for different reasons," Carrick reflected. "This one is pretty special. Two good games – it's about what's next now and moving forward."
Analysing the match itself, Carrick praised his team's resilience: "We understood the start of the game was going to be like that, as much as we tried to turn the momentum in our favour. I thought we started to take the ball and connections through the pitch, had that composure and a few moments gaining a bit of confidence as well."
The United boss added: "We were having a decent spell and seemed to be coming into the game when they scored, which was disappointing. Again, we showed the character to come back and there were stages in the game where you have to defend. They make you defend the box really and it's challenging at times, but I thought we had enough in the game to keep believing in the confidence and I always fancied us to score."
