Michael Carrick reaction — Manchester United boss on Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes after win over Aston Villa
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United took advantage of dropped points above them on the table on Sunday, beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford to move three points clear of their visitors.
MORE — Man United v Aston Villa updates, video highlights
United had lost its last match in surprising fashion, up a man on Newcastle but unable to find a point when William Osula scored a gorgeous late solo goal to ruin Carrick’s near-perfect run as interim manager of his former club.
The Red Devils looked bright early against Villa but went into the break at 0-0. Casemiro headed the hosts in front off a Bruno Fernandes corner kick early in the second half. Fernandes then set up Matheus Cunha for a goal after Ross Barkley had brought Villa level, and Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to make it 3-1.
So what did Carrick say after the win? Read on…
Michael Carrick reaction — Manchester United boss speaks after win over Aston Villa
How does the win feel? “Feels good. Thought it was a good performance in the main. We did a lot of things that we’re really happy with. We knew it was a big game coming into it to get back to winning ways and the boys responded really well.”
How did you change things in the second half? “I was quite happy at halftime to be honest. I thought it was just a tight game. I was not expecting it to be an edge of your seat, all guns blazing performance. In the second half we had the players to make the difference. There was a little spell before they scored where we lost their shape a bit.
Casemiro’s clever headed goal: “Casemiro and Bruno have a good understanding. Some of it you can coach but other times you leave it to them to find a moment and a bit of space. Jonny’s done a lot of work with them on set pieces but the partnership they have is kind of obvious.
How important is Bruno Fernandes? “He’s had so many big moments, to score a goal, to make a pass. Training or games, he’s always there. Really good with the corner. The pass to Matheus was fantastic to cap off a good performance all around.”
What can this win tell you or do for you? “It was a slightly different game today going into it being so close in the league and making the small jump we could if we won, off the back of a defeat. It was a small test and we haven’t really had that. The boys dealt with it really well, had a really good week, and applied themselves well. Everything is so so encouraging. We’ve got a lot to play for.”
Sesko makes it 3-1 for Man United against Villa
Benjamin Sesko’s effort takes a deflection but still manages to find the back of the net to give Manchester United a commanding 3-1 lead over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
