Carrick: Players' attitude was absolutely immense

Matheus Cunha got the only goal of the Saturday-night clash in the capital to move the Reds a step closer to a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

But it didn't come easy. United came into the meeting with a fellow European hopeful needing to respond to Monday's home defeat to Leeds, and without four senior centre-backs.

Suspensions ruled Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez out of the encounter, while a fresh knock for Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt's longer-term absence meant Carrick had to name a new-look backline at Stamford Bridge.

But 19-year-old Ayden Heaven - on his first start under our head coach - and full-back Noussair Mazraoui's partnership at the heart of our defence was impenetrable, and another facet of the win that hugely pleased the boss.

Keep scrolling for a round-up of what he had to say in post-match interviews with MUTV, BBC Match of the Day and TNT Sports...

PLAYERS' ATTITUDE WAS IMMENSE

“I’m really proud of everyone, the players, the staff, the supporters. It was one of those nights where things came together. There were some challenges leading up to the game, the suspensions, the injuries, Leny [Yoro] pulling out quite late, and having to adapt. There were all sorts of different things. I thought the attitude of the players was just absolutely immense tonight and we’re delighted, for so many reasons. It was a big game, we knew that coming into it, with the league position, we knew that. [For us] as a team [as well] really, wanting to come and win big games, important games, and the boys responded to it so well.”

WE SCORED A REALLY GOOD GOAL

“We talked about it before the game, how dangerous we could be and I thought we looked dangerous, we had moments to be dangerous and the last final pass or moment just didn’t quite happen for us. We probably didn’t have enough shots on goal but I thought there was a lot in the game, moments where I thought we could score and score again, but it was a really good goal. Worked down the side with Bryan [Mbeumo] and Bruno [Fernandes], and Matheus being in there put us in a good position. Second half, because of that, they had to push and I thought we managed that pretty well, really. Especially with the new back four, so credit to everyone.”

CENTRE-BACKS WERE MAGNIFICENT

“I thought Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui coming in were incredible, Ayden being such a young age and Noussair not really playing centre-back in a back four. I have to give the coaching staff a lot of credit on getting the boys ready for that. I thought the boys put a magnificent performance in tonight.”

FERNANDES IS CAPTAIN FOR A REASON

“His impact has been immense for a period of time, he's carried that all the way through. He plays most games, he's fit, he's hungry. He had a big shift to do in the middle but he was willing to do that for the team. He's a big personality, he's the captain for a reason. Sometimes it's leading by example and showing the way. He's vocal, he's a big presence on the pitch. He's been a big part of this club over the last few years.”

MY FUTURE AT THE CLUB

“I love being here. I understand the situation, it's a bit out my hands. You want to be parts of nights like this, part of special things, create a team. I haven't got a timeframe.”

OUR CELEBRATIONS AT FULL-TIME

“There's a gap in the league [to being outside Champions League places]. It wasn't so much that but the enjoyment of the win. Coming here is tough, we have found it hard over the years and to have that moment in the end, they are the ones you want to remember. We won't get carried away but we will enjoy the result tonight.”

WE WANT TO LOOK BEHIND US

“We want to look behind us [in the table]. I understand what it means but we want to try and improve and move forward. We're still not high enough. It's good for our support, I hope they enjoy it travelling home and away. We win some, might not always win but doing it a way where everyone can buy into it and have a connection, it's what we're all in for.”